BRYANT (8-21 in 2008-09): The Bulldogs begin their second season as a Division I program with a busy weekend ahead. They’ll follow tonight’s PC game with contests against Mercer and Bucknell… They beat six future foes in the Northeast Conference last year. Bryant will play a full Northeast schedule this year but won’t be eligible for the conference tourney and a spot in the NCAA’s for three more seasons…This Bulldog team welcomes eight newcomers, several of whom will play important roles. Lo is a transfer from UMass while Kondratyev, McMath and Jordan are all freshmen…Gresham carried a heavy load as a junior and will be asked to do more this season. He played 34 minutes a game last season and sank 57 3’s. Gresham started 28 of 29 games last year. Birrell started 26 of 27 and led the team in assists with 3.5 per game…Gresham scored 24 points in a 91-64 loss to Providence last season.

PROVIDENCE (19-14 in 2008-09): The Friars open their season by playing three games in three days in the World Vision Invitational. They’ll host Bucknell on Saturday and Mercer on Sunday…PC lost five of their top eight scorers off a team that advanced to the first round of the NIT. Friars are picked to finish 13th in the Big East…Curry and Brooks have looked very good in practice sessions and will be counted on to spark the offense. Peterson is the only Friar frontcourt player with any collegiate experience. McKenzie is hoping for a repeat to his sophomore season, when he averaged 10.9 points…PC is 71-11 in season openers but lost last season’s first game to Northeastern, 70-66…This is PC’s 83rd season of men’s basketball.

WHERE: Dunkin’ Donuts Center, 7:30 p.m. SERIES: PC leads, 2-0. LAST MEETING: PC won, 91-64, on Dec. 22, 2008. RADIO-TV: WEEI (103.7 FM) WOON (1240 AM).

—KEVIN McNAMARA