Bulldogs Host Panthers In Men's Basketball Exhibition Play Monday

Sophomore forward Daryll Palmer

ORANGEBURG, SC—The South Carolina State Bulldogs and the Claflin Panthers will meet in the annual "Garden City Basketball Classic" exhibition game Monday, Nov. 4, at Smith-Hammond –Middleton Memorial Center.

The matchup between the two neighboring university is expected to bring the Orangeburg community out in record numbers. Last year, SC State claimed the "Garden City Classic" trophy in an 81-62 win over Claflin at Jonas T. Kennedy Health and Physical Education Center.

The Bulldogs are led by head coach Murray Garvin in his first full season at the helm. SC State finished 6-24 last season and 2-7 under Garvin.

SC State returns seven letterman including four starters in Second Team All-MEAC performer senior forward Matthew Hezekiah (12.9 ppg, 7.4 rpg), senior guard Adama "Louis" Adams (9.6 ppg, 2.2 rpg), junior forward/guard Devin Joint (4.8 ppg, 5.3 rpg) and sophomore sensation forward Daryll Palmer (9.5 ppg, 5.9 rpg) who was named to the MEAC All-Rookie team last season.

Junior forward Luka Radovic (3.2 ppg, 3.1 rpg), sophomore guards Shaquiell Mitchell (5.5 ppg, 4.3 rpg) , Patrick Myers (3.9 ppg, 2.6 rpg) and senior forward Chasen Campbell (2.6 ppg) provides the much needed depth off the bench.

The Bulldogs have also added five newcomers to this year's squad in freshmen forward Patrick Kirksey, guard's Greg Mortimer and Jalen White and transfer's sophomore guard Jordan Smith and junior Darrion Eastmon.

The Panthers, who are Division II and members of the Southern Intercollegiate Conference (SIAC), are led by first-year head coach Ricky Jackson for the 2013-14 seasons. Claflin finished the season with an 11-17 overall record, 7-10 in the conference.

Tip-off for the women's contest is 5:30 p.m., with the men following immediately afterwards.

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