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The South Dakota Coyotes travel to Omaha to face the Creighton Bluejays on Wednesday night at CHI Health Center Omaha. The 23rd-ranked Bluejays begin a new chapter after losing several key starters, while the Coyotes look to rebound from a close season-opening overtime defeat. Creighton head coach Greg McDermott enters the season with a retooled lineup following the departures of Ryan Kalkbrenner, Steven Ashworth, Pop Isaacs, and Jamiya Neal. Despite heavy turnover, expectations remain high. The Bluejays were picked third in the Big East preseason poll, powered by Iowa transfer Owen Freeman, sophomore forward Jackson McAndrew, and sharp-shooting guard Josh Dix. Freeman’s return from a knee injury gives Creighton an interior anchor to replace Kalkbrenner. Dix, named to the preseason

The Tarleton State Texans travel to Baton Rouge to face the LSU Tigers on Wednesday night at Pete Maravich Assembly Center. Both teams are coming off contrasting openers, and this early non-conference matchup should offer a glimpse into LSU’s revamped lineup. Head coach Matt McMahon enters his fourth year at LSU with 12 new players, blending transfers and freshmen around returning forward Jalen Reed — whose recovery from last year’s torn ACL could define the Tigers’ season. Reed was averaging 11.1 points and 6.5 rebounds before his injury and provides stability inside for a roster aiming to rebound from last year’s 14-18 record. The Tigers looked sharp in preseason action, defeating UCF 75-68 in their exhibition game behind Dedan Thomas

The Southern Jaguars visit the Marquette Golden Eagles on Wednesday night at Fiserv Forum, marking both teams’ second game in three days to open the college basketball season. Marquette, ranked among the early Big East favorites, opened its campaign with an 80-53 win over Albany. Chase Ross led with 15 points, five assists, and five steals, setting the tone for a roster built around intensity and defensive cohesion. Coach Shaka Smart’s squad started slow offensively but tightened up in the second half, shooting 51.9% after the break. Southern, meanwhile, took a 109-77 loss at Arkansas in its opener. The Jaguars showed glimpses of offensive rhythm through Michael Jacobs, who scored 22 points, and Fazl Oshodi, who added 15. Still, facing

The Cleveland Cavaliers expect a boost Wednesday night when two-time All-Star Darius Garland makes his season debut against the visiting Philadelphia 76ers. Tipoff is set for 7 p.m. ET at Rocket Arena, with NBCS carrying the broadcast. Garland’s return comes after offseason surgery on his left big toe, and his presence should lift a Cavaliers offense that ranks 23rd in scoring at 114.1 points per game. Cleveland’s depth has been tested, but Donovan Mitchell has carried the load with 37 points in Sunday’s win over Atlanta. Meanwhile, Philadelphia arrives on tired legs after blowing a 24-point lead in a 113-111 loss at Chicago. Tyrese Maxey scored 39 points, though the Sixers missed their final 11 shots. Joel Embiid (knee management)