Shocker basketball is finally back. The Wichita State men’s basketball team will play an exhibition game against Northwood (Fla.) Saturday at 2:00 p.m.

The Northwood Seahawks finished last season 26-7 averaging 81.3 points per contest. On paper, the matchup looks to be a close one. Last season, WSU averaged 75.2 points per game, but allowed only 59.5 to opponents.

Northwood finished tied for second in the Sun Conference last season and enters this season ranked No. 5 in the NAIA preseason coaches poll.

Head coach Rollie Massimino, who is best known for leading Villanova to an NCAA championship of its own, will have his team eyeing the upset and coming off a contest with Villanova.

In the preseason, Northwood has already rumbled with the Iowa Hawkeyes and held them to just 37 points at halftime before losing the handle on the game and eventually losing 92-51.

WSU is coming off an undefeated regular season, and, exhibition or not, Koch Arena will be rocking.

After a 35-1 season, WSU enters this season ranked No. 11 in the AP Top 25 poll.

The Shockers will have to prove they can overcome the loss of Cleanthony Early to the NBA, and Saturday will be their first opportunity to do so.

An increased roll from Darius Carter and a trio of freshmen will rotate in the lineup and take over pounding the glass.

The Shockers tip off against Northwood inside Koch Arena six days before the regular season opener on Nov. 14 when they play New Mexico State.