Happy new year, hoops junkies!

It's opening night for a bevy of teams throughout the country, including seven teams in the MAAC.

With that in mind, a trip around the league:

In the Albany Times Union, Pete Iorizzo writes that Siena's opponent is an unknown.

In the Niagara Gazette, Jonah Bronstein writes that Niagara's potential at-large status might hinge on tonight's game at Auburn.

In the Connecticut Post, Bill Paxton previews tonight's Connecticut Six Classic clash between a banged-up Fairfield team and Central Connecticut State.

In the New York Daily News, Sean Brennan writes that Kevin Willard is looking forward to playing a more up-tempo style as Iona gets ready to host Boston University.

In the Bergen Record, John Rowe writes that Seton Hall -- which takes on Saint Peter's tonight in a battle of North Jersey Catholic schools -- thinks it has something special.

Then there's that game tonight in Starkville, which pits Rider against defending SEC tournament champion Mississippi State.

If anyone has a link to a Loyola-UVM preview, send it my way and I'll post it.

Marist (at Rutgers) and Manhattan (at home against lowly NJIT) open tomorrow, while Canisius won't play until Tuesday at Loyola-Chicago.