GREENSBORO, N.C.—UNCG men's basketball team officially tips off the 2011-12 season when they host Greensboro College in an exhibition game, 7 p.m., Thursday at Fleming Gym. Admission is free.

This is the only preseason tune-up for head coach Mike Dement and the Spartans. Dement, in his 11th season overall at UNCG, leads a squad recently picked to finish fourth in the Southern Conference's North Division.

The Spartans return four starters and several key reserves from last season's squad, including 2011 Southern Conference All-Freshman team honoree Trevis Simpson. In 27 games, including nine starts, the 6-4 swingman averaged 11.8 points and 3.6 rebounds per game. Other returning starters include 6-10 senior center Aloysius Henry (9.5 ppg, 4.8 rpg) and junior point guard Kyle Randall (9.4 ppg, 103 assists). Forward Aaron Brackett (7.0 ppg, 6.0 rpg) and guard Korey Van Dussen (8.7 ppg, 3.0 rpg) also return.

Two newcomers are also expected to have a significant impact for the Spartans as well. Freshman forward Nick Paulos (Salt Lake City, Utah) has been impressive during early-season practice. Paulos scored 15 points during the Blue & Gold Scrimmage on Oct. 23.

Junior guard Derrell Armstrong (Mechanicsville, Md.) should also add some offensive firepower for the Spartans. A transfer from Allegany (Md.) Community College, Armstrong scored 10 points and grabbed six rebounds in the Blue & Gold Scrimmage.

Greensboro College, an NCAA Division III program, posted a 12-15 overall record in 2010-11 and finished 4-8 in the USA South Athletic Conference. Bryan Galuski is in his seventh season as head coach of The Pride.

Prior to the game, UNCG Athletics is hosting the "Men's Basketball Season Ticket Holder Pick-Up-Party". The event will begin at 6:00pm and conclude at tip-off.
 
In addition to receiving ticket packages, light hors d'oeuvres and drinks will be served courtesy of JP Looney's.  For those unable to attend the party, season tickets will be mailed on Monday, November 7th. For more information, please contact Michael Ehmke in the Ticket Office at (336) 334-3250 or by email at maehmke@uncg.edu.

The Spartans open the regular season when they visit Tennessee, 7 p.m., Friday, Nov. 11 in Knoxville, Tenn. UNCG's home opener is Thursday, Nov. 17 against UNC Pembroke at Greensboro Coliseum.

 
--UNCG--