Starting now, it counts.

If the Bearcats want to prove that their preseason is behind them and that there is good reason to follow them this year, there is no better way to do that than to open 2006 with a win. That opportunity comes this Saturday as the men’s basketball team kicks off with a road game against Long Island University.

Most Binghamton fans have already pushed the panic button after last weekend’s loss to Division II St. Rose, but the reality is that the Bearcats come into this game with a fresh slate and the preseason is a thing of the past.

The shut-down style of defense Binghamton has relied on in years past will be called upon tomorrow against the Blackbirds; that defense will have to shake off its slow start and play well for Binghamton to come away with a win, a fact not lost on Bearcat Head Coach Al Walker.

“We have to guard,” said Walker. “If we guard like we did against St. Rose, we’re going to be in trouble; if we guard like we have in previous seasons, I expect it to be a good basketball game.”

Binghamton will need better performances from their big men; the starting front three combined to score only 18 points over the two exhibition games. Three-point shooting was also a sore spot, shooting 17 percent from outside. In the games against Mansfield and St. Rose, Mike Gordon shot 1 for 12 from downtown.

Long Island University features a lineup that scored 92 points in winning its lone exhibition game, so the Bearcat defense will have to be stingy for all 40 minutes to pull this game out. Coach Walker recognizes the camaraderie of the Blackbirds roster as a big advantage for them.

“It’s a group that’s been together for almost four years, they’ve got quite a few seniors in their starting lineup. They’re outstanding athletes along the perimeter,” Walker said.

Troy Hailey had a strong exhibition season for Binghamton, averaging 16 points while shooting 50 percent from the floor.

As far as the rest of the team, a loss to a Division II team may have raised some eyebrows, but the team has the regular season to make up for it.

“Nobody wants to win harder than we do,” Walker said. “I’m very comfortable and confident that we will have a good basketball team, hopefully it won’t take too long to figure it out.”

Tip off is set for 7 p.m. at the Wellness, Recreation and Athletic Center at LIU.