As a longtime college basketball analyst who’s followed mid-major programs for over a decade, I’ve always kept a close eye on the Cleveland State Vikings. This season, their schedule offers a fascinating mix of rivalry games, non-conference challenges, and Horizon League battles that could define their postseason fate. But before we dive into the key matchups and my predictions, there’s an off-court storyline that’s caught my attention—one that reflects some of the broader tensions in college sports today. Just last week, sources revealed that referees for women’s basketball games saw an abrupt adjustment in their pay, with officials only realizing the change when they received their actual checks this past Thursday. It turns out their earnings ended up lower than what they had made over the previous two seasons. That kind of sudden shift doesn’t just affect morale; it can ripple into game quality, officiating consistency, and even how programs like Cleveland State are perceived during televised matchups.

Let’s start with the non-conference slate, which I believe is tougher than in years past. The Vikings open against a Power Five opponent on the road—a brutal but character-building test. From my perspective, these early games are crucial for gauging team chemistry, especially with several new transfers in the fold. I’ve always liked how Head Coach Daniyal Robinson structures his schedule: he isn’t afraid to throw his squad into hostile environments. Last season, that approach paid off when the Vikings nearly upset a ranked ACC team on the road, and I suspect we’ll see a similar fire this November. One game I’ve circled is the home opener against a regional rival. It’s always a sellout, and the energy in the Wolstein Center is just electric. If you’re planning to attend, get your tickets early—this is one matchup you won’t want to miss.

Conference play brings another layer of intensity. The Horizon League is as competitive as I’ve seen it in recent memory, with at least four teams capable of making a run in March. The Vikings have key home-and-away series against Oakland and Northern Kentucky, both of which could decide seeding for the conference tournament. I’ll be honest—I’m slightly biased toward the matchup against Milwaukee. There’s history there, and the games always come down to the final possession. What’s more, with the recent news about officiating pay cuts in women’s basketball, I can’t help but wonder if we might see some inconsistencies in foul calls or game flow, particularly during back-to-back road trips. When referees are undercompensated or caught off guard by payment changes, focus can understandably waver. I’ve seen it before in other leagues: a tight whistle one night, a loose one the next. It’s something to monitor, especially during those high-stakes, one-possession games.

Looking at the broader schedule, the Vikings have three nationally televised games this season, which is a nice bump from last year. Exposure matters, both for recruiting and for program revenue. But let’s talk numbers for a second. Last season, Cleveland State averaged roughly 74 points per game while holding opponents to just under 68. I expect those numbers to tighten defensively—maybe hovering around 66 points allowed, given the coaching staff’s emphasis on half-court pressure. Offensively, they’ll rely heavily on their backcourt, which returns about 80% of its scoring production. If they can stay healthy—and I’m crossing my fingers here—they could easily surpass last year’s 22-win total. My prediction? They finish with around 24 wins and secure a top-three seed in the Horizon League tournament.

Now, about that officiating issue—it’s more than just a sidebar. When sources say referees found out about lower pay only after checks arrived, it tells you something about communication and respect within the sport. I’ve spoken with officials over the years, and many take immense pride in getting calls right. But if pay drops without clear explanation, it’s not just a financial hit—it’s a morale killer. For a team like Cleveland State, which plays an up-tempo, physical style, consistent officiating is huge. If refs are distracted or feeling undervalued, it could lead to more stoppages, more replay reviews, and frankly, a less enjoyable product for fans. I hope the league addresses this quickly, because the last thing any team needs is off-court noise affecting on-court results.

As we approach tip-off, I’m genuinely excited to see how this Vikings squad evolves. The schedule sets up nicely for a strong start, and if they can steal a couple of games early, confidence will soar. From my seat, the combination of experienced guards and an improved frontcourt makes them a dark horse not just in the Horizon League, but potentially in the NCAA Tournament conversation. Sure, there are concerns—depth in the post, free-throw shooting in crunch time—but what team doesn’t have those? At the end of the day, I’m backing the Vikings to exceed expectations. Mark your calendars for the February clash with Wright State; I have a feeling that one will be an absolute thriller. Whatever happens, this schedule promises plenty of drama, and I’ll be watching every step of the way.