ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. – Tip-off for the Eckerd College men's basketball 2014-15 season will occur this weekend in Lakeland, Fla. with the team competing in the SSC/GSC Challenge hosted by Florida Southern College.
Coming off a close exhibition contest against the University of Miami, Eckerd will look to open the season against Delta State University and the University of West Alabama.
The Tritons will meet up with Delta State to begin the Challenge on Saturday. The Statesmen open the season ranked No. 13 in the National Association of Collegiate Basketball Coaches Top 25 Poll. DSU participates in the Gulf South Conference and finished the 2013-14 season 26-7, 16-4 with an appearance in the NCAA South Region Tournament.
The two programs have met twice with Eckerd ending up on the short end both times. EC looks to avenge a 79-73 overtime loss from last season.
Live stats and
live video for the game will be available with the start of the contest slated for 2 p.m.
On Sunday, the Tritons will take on West Alabama. The Tigers also made a NCAA Tournament appearance in 2013-14 going 17-11, 14-6 on the year. The two programs last met during the 2009-10 season with EC pulling out a narrow victory, 77-75. Eckerd has won both previous meetings in the two team's history.
Live stats and
live video will be available for the contest. Tip-off is scheduled for 2 p.m.
"We will face two tough opponents this weekend with both teams making it to the National Tournament last year," said Head Coach,
Tom Ryan. "Practice started 30 days ago and now it's time to battle against someone other than ourselves and see where we stand."
The Tritons will go to Orlando, Fla. Nov. 20 for an exhibition game against the University of Central Florida before hosting Young Harris College for the team's home opener Nov. 25.
