BROOKLYN (Interstat) — A new men’s NCAA Division III basketball season begins with an early test when John Jay visits Pratt on Friday. The Bloodhounds are the visiting team, and the Cannoneers will have the home court as both programs look for a positive start after finishing their most recent campaigns with losses.

John Jay enters at 0-0. The Bloodhounds’ most recent result was an 85-60 road loss to Lehman in their final game of last season. John Jay will try to use its season opener to establish rhythm on offense and tighten its defense before a demanding stretch of nonconference games. The Bloodhounds’ upcoming schedule includes Fairleigh Dickinson-Florham, Saint John Fisher, Manhattanville, Mount Saint Mary (N.Y.) and Russell Sage, along with home contests against Saint Elizabeth, Rensselaer, Centenary (N.J.), Lehman and SUNY Maritime.

Pratt also opens at 0-0. The Cannoneers’ last outing was an 84-79 home loss to Immaculata. Pratt will look to protect its home floor and turn an experienced late-season effort into a stronger start. The Cannoneers’ schedule ahead includes games at Saint Joseph’s (Brooklyn), Washington College, Hunter, Brooklyn College and Mount Saint Vincent, plus home matchups with William Paterson, Russell Sage, Sarah Lawrence, York (N.Y.) and Gallaudet.

The opener offers an early look at how each roster handles the first test of the season. John Jay will rely on road focus and disciplined possessions, while Pratt will look to use its home surroundings to set a defensive tone. Both teams have room to establish identity before their schedules deepen.

The matchup gives both teams an early chance to measure progress in a Division III setting where depth, pace and execution often decide close games. John Jay will aim to control the tempo and limit turnovers while working for quality shots. Pratt will try to use its home setting to build energy and capitalize on possessions in the half court. Rebounding and defense are likely to be central as neither team has recorded a result this season.

Pratt and John Jay have both dealt with narrow finishes in their recent past, and the season opener offers a chance to reset. The Cannoneers will seek consistency on offense and a solid defensive effort at home. The Bloodhounds will counter with a focused approach on the road, hoping to start the schedule with a win before returning to a busy slate.

Interstat’s game simulator projects Pratt to edge John Jay 46-45. Interstat’s ELO system gives Pratt a 62.4 percent probability to win.