ORANGEBURG, SC—The South Carolina State men's basketball team will kick off their 2020-21 campaign in a home-opener Wednesday (Nov. 25^th) against Appalachian State at Smith-Hammond-Middleton Memorial Center. Tip-off is set for 2 p.m.
 
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic a NO FANS POLICY has been issued until further notice.
 
Garvin, entering his eighth (8th) season at the helm, will field one of the youngest teams in the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC) while playing one of the toughest non-conference slates this season.
 
"We are excited to have the opportunity to have a game in the midst of the Covid-19 pandemic, it has taken a lot of hard work by our entire Athletic Administration, Athletic Training and University to even get to this point, "said Garvin. "I want to begin by saying "Thank You" to my boss A.D. Stacy Danley and President Clark for creating an environment (Bulldog Bubble) where all this is even possible.   Our guys have endured an off season that nobody could have predicted or had a playbook for.  Our toughest opponent is Covid-19 and every day that we get a win is a great day."  
 
THE MATCHUP: APPALACHIAN STATE of the Sun Belt Conference had their best season in 10 years where they finished 18-15 and averaged 68.4 point per game and grabbed 34.9 rebounds as a team.  Senior guard Justin Fields returns for the Mountaineers who led the team in scoring last season with 17.3 ppg and 3.2 rebounds. Meanwhile, SC STATE bothered by injuries last season finished with a 11-18 record, averaged 70.2 points per game and grabbed 35.9 rebounds as a team. The Bulldogs will be in a rebuilding stage with 10 newcomers to this year's roster. Senior guard Tariq Simmons returns for his final season after averaging 7.3 points and 3.3 rebounds last year.
 
Garvin stated, "We have a ton of new faces to our program this year this game will be many of their first Division I contest.  As a program we have only had 10 total practices with no outside scrimmages. This is due to the COVID-19 pandemic so will we be shaking off the rust in the early part of the season. However, our guys are super excited to compete against someone beside their own teammates." 
 
TRIBUTE TO JOHN THOMPSON: This fall since the passing of legendary Georgetown University Basketball Coach John Thompson who was a pioneer for all coaches.  Each African American Head Coach has decided to wear a white towel in honor of Coach Thompson's legacy to the game of college basketball. 
 
For more information on South Carolina State Athletics visit www.scsuathletics.com or call the Office of Athletic Media Relations at (803) 536-7060.