COLUMBUS (Interstat) — Ohio Dominican will open its men’s NCAA Division II basketball season against Salem (W.V.) on Monday at Alumni Hall in Columbus, Ohio. The Panthers are the home team, and the Tigers are the visiting team. Both programs enter with 0-0 records.

Ohio Dominican returns to action after a 76-64 home loss to Findlay in its most recent previous result. Salem (W.V.) most recently fell 77-62 at home to Point Park. The Tigers will look to reset in their first game of the new campaign, while the Panthers will try to defend home court in their opener. The matchup gives both teams a chance to begin the season with a result before heavier scheduling arrives.

The game is scheduled for Monday at Alumni Hall. Ohio Dominican’s home venue will host an early-season test between two teams still shaping rotations and identities. Salem (W.V.) will make the trip as the visiting side, while Ohio Dominican will have the advantage of playing in familiar surroundings. Both teams are listed at 0-0, so the contest will give one program its first result of the season. Ohio Dominican will seek to use its home setting to set an early tone, and Salem (W.V.) will try to manage the road environment and start the year on a positive note. The Panthers will host the Tigers in Columbus, Ohio.

Salem (W.V.)’s upcoming schedule includes matchups against Ferrum and Bloomsburg at Fairmont, W.Va., followed by a contest against California (Pa.). The Tigers also are set to visit Glenville State and later face Concord, West Virginia Wesleyan, Davis & Elkins, East Stroudsburg, Concord again and Malone. Ohio Dominican’s next games include Lincoln (Mo.) and Bryant & Stratton (Ohio) USCAA, followed by Roosevelt, Ohio Christian, Cedarville, Walsh, Kentucky Wesleyan, Miami-Middletown, Shawnee State and Tiffin. The opener is part of a busy early stretch for both programs.

Ohio Dominican will aim to control the pace at Alumni Hall, while Salem (W.V.) seeks a strong start on the road. The Panthers and Tigers both enter the matchup without a loss or a win, making the opener a clean slate for each side. The meeting gives Ohio Dominican a home opportunity before a busy stretch of games and gives Salem (W.V.) an early road challenge. Both teams will use the contest as an early measure before their schedules move forward. The programs will meet for the first time this season at Alumni Hall on Monday.

Interstat’s game simulator projects Ohio Dominican to beat Salem (W.V.) 87-72. Interstat’s ELO system projects Ohio Dominican with an 89 percent probability to win.