For the second year in a row, the Montana State Billings men's basketball team will open the season against a Division I opponent.

The Yellowjackets start the 2009-10 season at Big Sky Conference member Eastern Washington. The exhibition game will begin at 2:05 p.m.

Last season, MSUB opened the season at nationally ranked Gonzaga.

MSUB returns six letter winners from last year's 10-17 team. Heading up the list is center Derrick Wright, who averaged 15.7 points and 5.8 rebounds a game. Wright led the Yellowjackets in points (425) and blocked shots (18).

Other returnees include forwards Kirk Blaine, Brad Hodge and Tyler Hentzen, along with guards Brett Taylor and Adam Weisz.

The 11 newcomers include two transfers from Division I programs, one Division II school and three from NAIA programs.

Expected to provide immediate help are guard Lasha Parghalava (Hawaii) and forward Mike McCrary (Cal State Northridge). Parghalava played in 25 games for Hawaii last year, starting six. McCrary played for Northridge two seasons ago where he averaged 4.6 points a game.

MSUB officially opens its season Wednesday with a home game against Colorado Christian.

Live stats for tonight's game will be available at http://www.ewu.edu/groups/athletics/mbasketball/mblivestats/xlive.htm.