South Dakota State at Buffalo

The Buffalo Bulls had a strong season last year that saw them win 19 games. Thirteen of those came in conference play, but the season ended in disappointing fashion as they bowed out of the MAC Tournament early. Coach Bobby Hurley lost a lot, but he also had a deep enough bench, and success a from some role players to get a decent amount of experience, and step up this season. He also brings in a game-ready recruit in Lamonte Bearden, who he thinks will make an immediate impact. South Dakota State saw its two year NCAA Tournament run end last year, but the Jackrabbits still finished with 19 wins. That will be hard to duplicate, because most of those tournament team's players are gone, and the two holdovers from the 19 win season have now graduated. Any success the Jackrabbits have this season will rely on a pair of JUCO transfers, and it may take some time to get there - if at all. They will struggle early, so play on Buffalo.