Nov. 13, 2006

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. - The Samford University basketball team will open its 2006-07 home schedule Tuesday at 7 p.m., as the Bulldogs host the Tennessee Temple Crusaders in the final home-opening game to be held at historic Seibert Hall.

The game will be carried live on the radio at WVSU 91.1 FM and via the internet at either www.samfordsports.com or www.al.com/wvsu.

Samford (0-1) enters the home-opener looking to rebound from a 79-54 defeat on the road against the No. 1-ranked Florida Gators on Friday.

The Bulldogs finished the game with three players scoring in double figures and were led by junior Joe Ross Merritt's 17 points on 7-of-9 shooting. Merritt equaled career-highs in points, field goals and 3-point field goals (3).

Senior Randall Gulina tallied 16 points, three steals and two assists in the game, while junior Travis Peterson added 11 points and knocked down three 3-point field goals. Samford's bench outscored the Gators' reserves 20-15.

The Bulldogs' matchup against No. 1-ranked Florida on Friday marked Samford's highest ranked opponent in school history. Later this season, the Bulldogs will play games on the road against fifth-ranked LSU and 10th-ranked Arizona.

Tennessee Temple (4-1) heads into Tuesday's contest riding the positive momentum of a two-game winning streak. On Nov. 6, the Crusaders defeated Berry College at home, 69-67, before downing Bryan College on the road Friday.

Tennessee Temple is an independent NAIA school located in Chattanooga, Tenn., and has an enrollment of 500 students. Earlier this season, the Crusaders played D-I opponent Chattanooga in an exhibition game and lost by a score of 101-66.

The Bulldogs will be hosting Tennessee Temple in Seibert Hall for the fifth time in school history Tuesday.

Samford currently owns a perfect 4-0 record against the Crusaders in a series that began during the 1997-98 campaign. In the previous meeting between the teams, the Bulldogs cruised to a 71-56 victory, Dec. 18, 2004.

The 2006-07 campaign marks a historic time for Samford basketball. This season will be "The End of an Era" as the Bulldogs play their final year in Seibert Hall before moving next door to the brand-new, state-of-the-art, 32-million dollar Pete Hanna Arena.

Samford began playing in Seibert Hall in 1961-62 and this season will mark the 45th year of Bulldog basketball in the historic gym. Samford holds a remarkable 344-167 record in Seibert Hall.

The Samford University basketball team will open its 45th year in Seibert Hall on Tuesday at 7 p.m., against the Tennessee Temple Crusaders.

The first 250 Samford fans will receive a FREE Samford athletics visor.