4 p.m. — Ball State at Northern Illinois (TV: Pixelvision)
A matchup of the division's most lopsided (one-man) team against the division's most balanced. I think I can figure this one out, even if it's in DeKalb. Ball State 67, Northern Illinois 61
7 p.m. — Bowling Green at Buffalo
Argh. Any time BG plays a game in Buffalo, I can't help but remember that fateful wintry night in 2007, when the Dan Dakich Express officially derailed and a certain victory was taken away because he prematurely took his team off the goddamn court, resulting in game-tying technicals and an eventual win for UB. It gets a little funnier and a little less depressing with every passing year. It won't help to forget that game this year, now that the Bulls are greatly improved. Buffalo 72, Bowling Green 61
7 p.m. — Kent State at Akron (TV: SportsTime Ohio)
Nice to see them rolling out at least one heavyweight fight on the first day of games. They really oughta roll out the Wagon Wheel for this game, since it's always better than its football equivalent. Except for last year; KSU pounded them in both meetings by double digits. So let's try to get a closer battle this time. Akron 73, Kent State 70
7 p.m. — Eastern Michigan at Toledo
Despite zero victories against Division I opponents, the Eagles are still slightly favored to win tonight, even though UT has won their last three at home, two of them against no-foolin qualify Division I competition. I'll be in attendance for this one, so hope for something exciting to happen. Toledo 63, Eastern Michigan 59