HAMPTON, VA—The South Carolina State men's and women's basketball teams return to action Saturday (Feb. 17^th) in a Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC) doubleheader versus Hampton at the HU Convocation Center. Tipoff for the women is 4 p.m., with the men following in a 6 p.m. start.

The Lady Bulldogs (9-14 overall, 4-7 MEAC/9^th) look to bounce back after a tough 54-74 defeat to N.C. A&T State on last week. Meanwhile, the Lady Pirates (12-13 overall, 8-4 MEAC/3^rd) want to move up in league standings and extend their winning streak to two-straight after knocking off Coppin State 83-48 in their last outing.

SC State is led by graduate guard Bryeasha Blair with 14.7 ppg, while Kemoni Jenkins and Kyesha Lewis each adds 10.1 points respectively. Junior forward Jasmine Williams leads the way in rebounding with 6.3 rebounds and 5.4 ppg.

Monnaz Finney-Smith is the top scorer for the Lady Pirates with 12.0 ppg, Jephany Brown is second with 10.5 points, while Ashley Bates and K'lynn Willis each adds a little over 9.3. Finney-Smith is also the leader on the boards with 6.3.

On the men's side the Bulldogs (9-17 overall, 5-6 MEAC/7^th) are coming off an impressive 90-85 victory over top-ranked and league rival N.C. A&T State on last week. Hampton (13-14 overall, 8-4 MEAC/3^rd) looks to stay among the top of the league after coming off an 82-79 win over Coppin State.

Three Bulldogs lead the way with graduate guard Donte Wright and sophomore forward Damani Applewhite tossing in a little over 12.5 points per outing. Applewhite leads the team in rebounding as well at 7.0 rebounds. Senior guard James Richardson adds that extra scoring in the backcourt with 10.7 ppg.

Meanwhile, the Pirates are led by Jermaine Marrow at 20.6 points and 4.8 rebounds per contest. Teammate's Malique Trent-Street chips in 12.3 points and Kalin Fisher 11.7.  Greg Heckstall is the leader in the frontcourt for HU with 6.4 rebounds and 9.0 ppg.

South Carolina State return to action on Monday against Norfolk State in a pivotal Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference showdown at Echols Hall. Tip-off is 6 p.m. for the women, with the men following in an 8 p.m. start.

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