ORANGEBURG, SC – The SC State men's basketball team tips off its 2009-10 regular season Friday when the Bulldogs host Erskine in a 7:30 p.m. contest at Smith-Hammond-Middleton Memorial Center. Admission is free.

            Friday's contest will mark the second straight year Coach Tim Carter's team has began its campaign by hosting the Flying Fleet. The Bulldogs prevailed 71-53 last season on their way to a 17-12 year.

            SC State will be seeing action for the second time this season. In an exhibition Monday, the Bulldogs raced past Division II Voorhees 109-63 a five players reached double-digit scoring.

            Transfer Darnell Porter, a 6-4 junior guard of Long Beach, Calif., had 23 points to lead Carter's team. Brandon Smalls, a senior, who rejoins the Bulldog team after missing the second half of last season due to academics, poured in 17 points and junior Westley Telfare added 15 points for SC State.

Bulldog senior Jason Flagler, a preseason All-MEAC pick, had 10 points and five rebounds in limited action for Carter's team.

Eight new faces are on this year's SC State roster. How quickly they mesh with the six returning players – three starters – will be a factor in how well the Bulldogs do. SC State will rely on a perimeter-oriented team this season as opposed to a first-option inside presence last season.

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