POPLAR BLUFF, MO. -- The Wabash Valley College men's basketball team opened their season on Friday night in Poplar Bluff, Mo. for the First Midwest Bank Classic at Three Rivers Community College. The Warriors fell 87-78 in their opener of the classic against Mineral Area College, falling to 0-1 on the season.

Due to a slow start out of the gate, WVC (0-1) trailed 46-32 at the half, setting them at a significant disadvantage in the second half against the opposing Cardinals (1-0).

Despite outscoring Mineral Area in the second half 46-41, they fell to the Cardinals by nine, as the halftime deficit proved too much to overcome.

With loads of returning experience and a few Division I transfers, including Mount Carmel native Justin Carpenter, the Warriors still seem ready to overcome their early blemish. Their first opportunity to bounce back will come on Saturday, Nov. 3 against host Three Rivers at 7 p.m.

They'll return home following the completion of the classic to host the annual Warrior Classic, at which they'll make their home debut on Friday, Nov. 9 at 7 p.m.