So we start conference play next week. I know there are mixed thoughts on this board (and in general) on the Sunbelt's odd basketball playoff format, but I personally think that giving the top regular season teams a big head start in the conference playoffs makes the regular season much more fun. Obviously in down years (or last year when we finished strong) it would have been nice to get some more games in, but considering the Sunbelt autobid is the best shot for an NCAA tournament entry, I like the fact that we could play a good regular season slate and need just two wins to advance to NCAA tournament.

Regardless we have a really tough slate of Sunbelt games to open the season...

Date / Team / Conference Rank / RPI Rank

12/31 Texas State #12 - #330
1/2 UTA #1 - #38
1/7 UALR #8 - #235
1/9 AR ST #2 - #56

If we could split this slate, I think that would be a very solid start to things.