Season Openers Deliver Statement Performances

Season openers moved from previews to on-court results, producing several statement performances across the first day of play. Rhode Island beat Stetson 93-62 as graduate transfer Tyler Cochran led with 17 points, nine rebounds and four steals, while Cleveland State’s Colbi Maples scored 29 in a 71-49 win over Chicago State. Arizona opened the 2025-26 campaign with a signature victory over defending champion Florida as freshman Koa Peat exploded for 30 in his Wildcat debut. No. 21 Iowa’s women rolled past Southern 86-51 behind Ava Heiden’s 21 points and 14 rebounds and Hannah Stuelke’s 20, and Syracuse defeated Binghamton 85-47 with Donnie Freeman (20) and William Kyle III (16) leading the way. Notre Dame scored 89-67 at home with 52 bench points and Cole Certa’s 22, Nebraska thumped West Georgia 86-53 as Braden Frager had 22 and Rienk Mast returned with 10 and 11 rebounds, and Illinois coach Bruce Weber signaled he will use more zone to maximize his frontcourt.