Saturday's previews and picks

Norfolk State (4-23 last season) at St. Paul’s, 2 p.m.

Opening against a Division II rival obviously enhances the young Spartans' chances of getting off to a good start. Let's not take anything for granted, though, as NSU won by only four when these teams met in Norfolk last season. And while Rachel Gordon and Rae Corbo appear to be impact freshmen, Tuesday's five-point exhibition win at home against Elizabeth City State suggests the Spartans probably aren't ready to overwhelm even D-II foes at this stage. Still, NSU has owned this rivalry, going 47-1 lifetime against St. Paul's with the loss coming during the 1979-80 season. The first-year coach at St. Paul's is former University of Tennessee star Gwen Jackson.  Norfolk State 57, St. Paul's 52

Sheraton Raleigh Wolfpack Invitational at N.C. State

College of Charleston (0-1) vs. Liberty (0-1), 6 p.m.
First of all (courtesy of the Lynchburg News & Advance), here's the deal on Devon Brown, who sat out Friday's 40-35 season-opening loss to Creighton:

Brown has dealt with a painful condition called “dancer’s toe” ever since her high school days. It’s a recurring injury where one of the tendons that connects the ankle to the big toe pops in and out of place, and it’s a common malady among female ballet dancers, thus the name. Brown missed some time in the preseason after the tendon popped out of place.

Brown's absence doesn't fully explain Liberty's offensive ineptitude in the opener, though. The Lady Flames had 30 turnovers, which led to 33 of Creighton's 40 points. Also, Liberty missed all nine of its 3-point tries. Those shots will no doubt be available to the Lady Flames again today and the rest of the season unless someone proves they can make them. Then again, College of Charleston has its own offensive woes; the Cougars scored just 36 points in a 37-point loss to host N.C. State.  Liberty 50, College of Charleston 45

Lancer Classic

Marshall (0-1) at Longwood (1-0), 5 p.m.

The Lancers debuted a significantly deeper team in Friday's 71-48 rout of Campbell, as newcomers Mina Jovanovic (10 points, 7 rebounds), Bria White (8 points) and Emilee Dunton (6 points) all contributed heavily. The Thundering Herd is coming off a 64-55 loss to Appalachian State. Campbell and Appalachian State will meet in today's first game at 3 p.m.  Longwood 66, Marshall 52