The Look-Ahead: November 19th

KENT STATE @ SAINT LOUIS
8:00 P.M
Line: Kent State by 1.5

Rick Majerus is trying to change the mentality of Saint Louis basketball after his first season at the head man for the Billikens. Saint Louis had a putred offense last season, just absolutely terrible scoring 20 points in one FULL game against George Washington. This year the Billikens started out not much better; a 48-33 win over D-II Missouri St.Louis. At least the Billikens can defend and they do have a guard that can create offense, so there is optimism. Kwamain Mitchell had 16 in the opener including six assists for his first ever NCAA game. St. Louis opened its brand new on campus arena after playing their games at the Savvis Center (home of the St.Louis Blues) for the past decade. Majerus will need to contend with three outstanding guards returning for Kent State and a brand new coach, longtime assistant Geno Ford. The Golden Flashes have no experience inside, throwing out a redshirt freshman and four true freshmen.

The Pick: Saint Louis will certainly keep this game close due to their home court and the fresh ability of their guards to defend. Unfortunately Saint Louis is just not deep enough on the perimeter to contain Al Fisher and Chris Singletary. Expect both of these guys to score in high teens and be able to get in the paint and finish against the lack of St. Louis size. With that said, if Mitchell can increase his assist and point output that he showed in the opener, and can get the bigs involved early to attack Kent State's youth and inexperience inside Majerus' club has a shot. Kent State holds on in a tight one, 68-61

Keep an eye on:
- UNCW @ (20) Wake Forest: Can Chad Tomko stay lights out and give his energetic club a shot in Winston-Salem?

- Ball State @ Butler: Ball State could be a surprise in the MAC this season, and this game will be a good barometer to see how well they have improved and if Butler has anything left in the tank.

-Charlotte @ Appalachian State: The 49ers were hard luck losers at home to Old Dominion Sunday, and need this game badly. So do the Mountaineers; Appie State dropped their opener last Friday to Wilmington in overtime.

-Murray State @ Arkansas State: Murray faces a tough road opener as John Brady's Ark State went to Ole Miss and hung in there early before fading off and losing by 13. Brady was the coach at LSU for the Glen Davis and Tyrus Thomas days. Murray is OVC favorites, as always and should be able to squeak one out.