Falcons To Square Off Against Mansfield University And California (Pa.) University At VSU Multipurpose Center

RALEIGH, NC (Nov 10) – This weekend, Saint Augustine's University makes its men's basketball season debut at the Trojan Tip-Off Classic hosted by Virginia State University.

The Falcons take on Mansfield University in their season opener on Friday, Nov. 11 at 6 p.m. before facing California (Pa.) University on Saturday, Nov. 12 at 6 p.m. Both games are the first of a doubleheader both days inside the Virginia State Multipurpose Center in Ettrick, Va.

After finishing second in the CIAA Southern Division last season, the Falcons enter this season with arguably the best one-two punch in the conference in guard Anthony Gaskins (Sr./Greenville, NC) forward Quincy January (Jr./Atlanta, GA). Gaskins is the team's top returning scorer after averaging 16.7 points last season. January was named CIAA Defensive Player of the Year and was an All-CIAA selection after leading the league in rebounding (10.0) and averaging a double-double (16.0 points per game) a season ago. Both players are Preseason All-CIAA picks.

Gaskins and January are two of five returnees for the Falcons. Antonio Watson (So./Raleigh, NC) is back to run the offense after starting the latter part of last season as a freshman. Jeremy Saunders (Sr./Hampton, VA) provides outsides shooting and Andre Stanley (Sr./Virginia Beach, VA) is an inside threat. Seven newcomers are also on the Falcons season-opening roster.

Mansfield will be a good challenge for the Falcons. On Nov. 5, the Mountaineers stunned Division I Duquesne University 79-74 in an exhibition game. California (Pa.) has a new head coach after posting a 7-21 record last season.

This is the second consecutive year that the Falcons will play in the Classic. Last season, the Falcons defeated Glenville State College 77-71 and Slippery Rock University 60-50.