College basketball: Monday’s area games to watch

MONDAY’S MATCHUPS

CHARLOTTE (1-0) at OKLAHOMA STATE (1-0)

Gallagher-Iba Arena, Stillwater, Okla., 8 p.m.

These teams played once before – 38 years ago (the 49ers won). The Cowboys are picked to finish last in the Big 12, but forward Jeffrey Carroll (averaged 17.8 points last season) is a big-time threat. The 49ers pummeled Division III Methodist in their opener.

WESTERN MICHIGAN (1-0) at SOUTH CAROLINA (1-0)

Colonial Life Arena, Columbia, 8 p.m., SEC Network

Western Michigan is the preseason pick to win the Mid-American’s Western Division. Guard Thomas Wilder (19.3 points, 3.8 assists last season) is considered an NBA draft prospect. The Gamecocks’ defense was on display in their opener, as they held Wofford to 34 percent shooting.

GARDNER-WEBB (0-1) at No. 8 FLORIDA (0-0)

Exactech Arena, Gainesville, Fla., 7 p.m., ESPNU

The Runnin’ Bulldogs get national TV exposure, facing the No. 2 preseason pick in the SEC. The Gators are going for their 27th straight victory in a home opener. D.J. Lasler had 10 points and eight rebounds for Gardner-Webb in its opening 77-45 loss at Miami.

Steve Lyttle

This story was originally published November 12, 2017 at 2:26 PM with the headline "College basketball: Monday’s area games to watch."