Bulldogs host Acadia Sunday (4 p.m.) in final exhibition

SMITHFIELD, R.I – Nearly seven months after closing out their historic 2012-13 season, the Bryant University men's basketball returns to the court when they host Acadia in their final preseason tune-up, Sunday (4 p.m.) at the Chace Athletic Center.

A season ago, the Bulldogs posted a Division I record 19 wins, earned numerous postseason accolades, participated in the Northeast Conference Tournament and College Basketball Invitational in March, and put together one of the greatest single-season turnarounds in D I basketball history. Returning the likes of All-NEC selections Alex Francis (Harlem, N.Y.) and Dyami Starks (Duluth, Minn.), Bryant is primed for another strong season on the hardwood. This time around however, the Black and Gold won't have the luxury of flying under the radar after being selected to finish second in the NEC Preseason Coach's Poll announced earlier this month.

Joining Francis and Starks for returners are senior guard Corey Maynard (Adelaide, Australia), junior Joe O'Shea (Burlington, Vt.), and senior forward/center Claybrin McMath (Adelaide, Australia). Sunday will also mark the debut of Bryant's five-man freshmen class, highlighted by Ellis Williams (Columbus, Ohio) and Bosko Kostur (Melbourne, Australia).

Acadia University (located in Wolfiville, Nova Scotia), comes to Smithfield for their final preseason contest as well. After playing a trio of warm-ups earlier in October, the Axemen will look to build on their trip to the semi-finals of the Canadian Interuniversity Sport national tournament last season. Acadia will look to lead returning scorers Jonathan Tull and Tyler Scott, who each averaged nearly 12 points per game in 2012-13.

The Bulldogs officially open their 2013-14 slate on Saturday, Nov. 9, when they faceoff with No. 15 Gonzaga in Spokane, Wash. (7 p.m. EST).