THE SETTING
The South Alabama men’s basketball team looks to contiue its winning ways as it battles with host Fresno State in the second game of the Fresno State Classic Saturday. USA posted a season-opening 67-63 win over UC-Irvine Friday.
BIG TIME BENNETT
Junior Demetric Bennett had a huge first game to the 2006-07 season. Bennett was 10-of-14 from the field, including 5-of-7 from beyond the arc for a career-high 27 points in the season opener Friday. Bennett’s previous career-best was a 21-point outing at North Texas last season.
GUARDS, GUARDS, GUARDS
USA’s guard play was outstanding in the season opener as it combined for 58 of the 67 points in the win last night. Bennett had 27, followed by 18 from junior Daon Merritt and 10 points for senior Carlos Smith.
DYNAMIC DAON
Junior Daon Merritt, who sat out last season after transfering from Richmond, had a solid first game as a Jaguar. Merritt scored 18 points in the opener on 6-of-13 from the field and 2-of-3 from beyond the arc. He was a perfect 4-of-4 from the line and tallied seven assists.
STEALIN’ JAGS
In the 67-63 season-opening victory over UC-Irvine, USA forced 25 Anteater turnovers and had 17 steals. Sophomore Brandon Davis led the way with five swipes. USA had a season-high 16 steals last season against Louisiana-Monroe.
BOMBS AWAY
The Jaguars had 11 3-pointers in the season opener against UC-Irvine Friday, including a game-high five treys by Demetric Bennett. USA had 10 games in the 2005-06 season with 10 or more 3-pointers including a season-high 14 at Troy and 10 in last season’s opener against Spring Hill.
SECOND HALF CHARITY STRIPE
The Jaguars did not attempt a free throw in the first half against UCI, but came back in the second half and were 10-of-13 from the line.
LIVE STATS FOR FRESNO STATE GAME
Live stats of the USA vs. Fresno State game can be found at http://gobulldogs.cstv.com/sports/m-baskbl/sched/fres-m-baskbl-sched.html
