Charleston Cougars vs. Southern Illinois Salukis: NCAA Basketball Season Opener Preview and Predictions

The College of Charleston Cougars and the Southern Illinois Salukis are set to kick off the 2024-25 NCAA Division I men’s basketball season with a highly anticipated matchup on Monday, November 4, at the Sanford Pentagon in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. This game marks the first Division 1 vs. Division 1 contest of the season and the beginning of new eras for both teams under their first-year head coaches, Chris Mack for Charleston and Scott Nagy for Southern Illinois.

Last season, the Charleston Cougars had a stellar record of 27-8 overall and 15-3 in the Colonial Athletic Association (CAA), culminating in an NCAA tournament appearance. However, the team has undergone significant changes, with only two players, Ante Brzovic and CJ Fulton, returning from the previous season. Charleston has added eight transfers and four freshmen to its roster, including notable transfers like Derrin Boyd and Djordie Curcic, who are expected to make an immediate impact.

Southern Illinois, on the other hand, finished last season with a 19-13 overall record and 11-10 in the Missouri Valley Conference. The Salukis return three players from last year’s squad: Kennard Davis Jr., Jarrett Hensley, and guard Sheridan Sharp. Under new coach Scott Nagy, who ranks 17th in total wins among active Division I head coaches, the Salukis are looking to start the season strong despite being picked to finish seventh in the MVC Preseason Poll.

Both teams enter the game with no reported injuries, setting the stage for a full-strength matchup. The game is expected to be competitive, with Charleston favored by 2 points. However, predictions suggest that Southern Illinois could cover the spread or even secure a win, given their methodical offense and the Salukis’ history of performing well against non-conference opponents.

The game will tip off at 12:00 ET and can be watched on the Field of 68 YouTube channel and X feeds, with additional coverage on the Varsity App and ESPN 94.7 FM in Charleston.