ORANGEBURG, SC— The South Carolina State men's basketball team will open up the 2019 campaign in a non-conference matchup with Presbyterian Wednesday (Jan. 2^nd ) at Smith-Hammond-Middleton Memorial Center. Tip-off is 6 p.m.

LAST TIMEOUT:  South Carolina State looks to turn things around after a tough non-conference schedule in 2018. The Bulldogs dropped a tough 77-56 decision to Cincinnati in their last outing on Dec. 21^st. Junior forward and Preseason All-MEAC selection Damani Applewhite leads the way for the Bulldogs with 18.2 points and 6.9 rebounds per contest. Senior point guard Janai Raynor-Powell tosses in 9.5 along with 3.1 assist.

Meanwhile, PC enters the contest with a 7-7 overall record. The Blue Hose avenged an early season loss against Jacksonville with a 72-67 win over the Dolphins in their last outing. Three players are scoring double-figures for PC this season with Adam Flagler and Francois Lewis leading the way with over 15.2 points per outing. JC Younger is third on the team in scoring with 10. 4 ppg and Cory Hightower is the leader on the boards with 6.3 rebounds and 9.4 points.

For more information on South Carolina State Athletics visit www.scsuathletics.com or call the Office of Athletic Media Relations at (803) 536-7060.