ORANGEBURG, SC—The South Carolina State men's basketball team look to extend their winning streak to four-straight, when they host visiting Norfolk State Saturday (Jan. 19^th) in a pivotal Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference showdown at Smith-Hammond-Middleton Memorial Center. Tip-off is 4 p.m., immediately following the women's contest in a 2 p.m. start.
 
"Norfolk St. has served as one of the fieriest rivals in my tenor here at South Carolina State. Most of our games have come down to a final possession, with our MEAC tournament games the past two years being instant classics," said Bulldog head coach Murray Garvin. "Coach Robert Jones has been one of the most successful coaches in the league and this year's team is way more talented than their record indicates and keep in mind that their two conference losses have been by a combined total of four points to undefeated North Carolina A&T and NCCU. "
 
"We will have to play a full 40-minute game in order to have a chance to win and I look forward to a packed arena and The STATE CLUB's "Meet & Greet" following the game, "said Garvin. 
 
The Bulldogs (7-12 overall, 3-1 MEAC) currently 6-1 at home this season look to add to the win record after posting impressive league wins over Howard (91-88) and Maryland Eastern Shore (66-62) last week. Sophomore Damani Applewhite led the way versus the Bison with the games only double-double with 17 points and 13 rebounds. Meanwhile, it was junior point guard Janai Raynor-Powell who controlled the tempo against the Hawks with 13 points.
 
Graduate guard Donte Wright leads SC State with 14.4 points and 2.6 rebounds. Wright is ranked among the top in the nation in three-point field goal attempts. Applewhite the leader in the frontcourt with 11.5 ppg and 6.5 rebounds. Raynor-Powell provides that extra push with 8.3 points, 3.3 apg and 3.5 rebounds.
 
Meanwhile the Spartans (3-15 overall, 1-2 MEAC) look to bounce back after a tough 68-71 loss to North Carolina A&T in their last outing. Alex Long led the way with 15 points.
 
Steven Whitley and Long lead the way for the Spartans with a little over 10.5 points per game. Whitley and Preston Bungei (9.3 ppg) are the leaders on the boards with over 5.5 rebounds per contest, respectively.
 
"The STATE CLUB will host a "Meet & Greet/Student Athlete Service Project" throughout both the men's and women's game. Bring at least three-canned goods to qualify for prizes and a grand prize, which will be given out at halftime of both the men's and women's game.
 
For more information visit www.thestateclub.com or email  STATE CLUB members Sonya Summers at ssgaperal56@gmail.com or Verna Wade Dstverna@gmail.com