DAYTONA BEACH, Fla.---The South Carolina State men's basketball team open Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC) play on the road Wednesday (Jan. 3^rd) against Bethune-Cookman at Moore Gymnasium. Tip-off is 7:30 p.m.  immediately after the women's contest.

"We are excited to start conference play, however to start on the road at Moore Gymnasium versus a talented and well coached BC-U squad will be a tall order, "said SC State head coach Murray Garvin. "In a short time Coach Ritter has done an outstanding job of getting some talented guys to play for Bethune."

"During Christmas Break our team practices have been the best practices that we have had in my tenure here at South Carolina State," said Garvin. "We've had back-to-back games with no time to really practice and work on us. This break in games was much needed and I look forward to see how it translates to game action."

Coach Garvin and the Bulldogs coming off a much needed holiday break, dropped a tough 64-89 (Dec. 21^st) decision to Central Florida in their last outing. Graduate guard Donte Wright led the way with a team-high 19 points.

Wright leads the team in scoring with 15.2 points per game. He currently ranks among the top in the nation in three-point field goals made with 55(.41%) on the season.  Sophomore forward Damani Applewhite is the leader in the frontcourt with 6.1 rebounds and 10.7 ppg.

Senior guard James "JJ" Richardson adds depth in the backcourt with 8.8 points, along with guard Janai Raynor-Powell with 7.7 points and 3.0 assists.

Meanwhile, Bethune-Cookman enters the contest averaging over 75.6 points per game. The Wildcats look to get things back on the winning track and snap a four-game losing skid with a win over the Bulldogs.

BC-U has four players in double-figures with All-MEAC performer Brandon Trapp leading the way with 17.3 points per game. Isaiah Bailey is second with 13.4 ppg and 4.5 rebounds. Shawntrez Davis leads the team in rebounding with 8.5 rebounds and 12.9 ppg, while Malik Maitland chips in 11.0 points respectively.