Jim Fox will lead Appalachian basketball into a new era as they visit the Ohio Bobcats for their first ever game as a member of the Sun Belt Conference. The Mountaineers are returning several players of note, including Tommy Spagnola who finished strong last season after being inserted into the starting lineup halfway through the year. Spagnola joins fellow senior Tab Hamilton, who looks to remain in the starting lineup.

Ohio is favored by 12 points in this season opener and the Mountaineers have plenty of questions all over the court. Considering their narrow exhibition win over Lees-McRae, I would imagine that Ohio, who is a borderline NCAA team will probably cover this spread without a problem. If the Mountaineers keep it within ten points, I’ll be pleasantly surprised.