Game Notes

PRINCESS ANNE, Md. - The University of Maryland Eastern Shore men's basketball team opens their regular season with a difficult test on the road against Virginia Tech. In their first official game action under new head coach Bobby Collins, the Hawks visit the ACC opponent in Blacksburg, Va. Tip-off is scheduled for 7:00 p.m. at Cassell Coliseum with coverage on ESPN3 and the Hawks Radio Network on SFMSports.Net and Fox Sports 960 AM.

The Hawks faithful got their first look at this year's squad in a preseason exhibition against Salisbury University on Tuesday evening. UMES defeated the local Division III school by a final score of 70-51 with newcomers Devin Martin and Mike Myers carrying the scoring load with 20 and 19 points respectively.

As the Hawks go away from Hytche Center to start the season, they will face a step up in competition. Virginia Tech defeated UMES in their matchup from last season, 82-66 on New Year's Eve. The Hokies dominated the first half, establishing a 46-23 lead after twenty minutes. The Hawks outscored Virginia Tech after the break, but it was not enough to erase a sizeable deficit.

Tech brings in a new coach of their own, Buzz Williams, after struggling down the stretch during last season. The Hokies finished 2013-14 with a 9-22 record and a last place finish in the ACC at 2-16. Williams joins Virginia Tech after six successful seasons at Marquette University, which included five NCAA Tournament appearances, three Sweet Sixteens and one Elite Eight appearance.

Both teams open their season on Friday, looking to replace significant production from a year ago. Virginia Tech lost senior forward Jarell Eddie who led the team in both scoring and rebounding, including posting a 17-point, 9-rebound performance against UMES. Meanwhile, the Hawks do not return a single regular starter with Devon Walker as the top returning scorer at just 6.9 points per game.

This will be the first game of eight straight contests away from Princess Anne. UMES does not return to Hytche Center until December 2 for the home opener vs. UMBC. The Hawks will continue the lengthy road trip to start the season on Monday, as they play another tough opponent, Villanova.

Hawk fans can watch the season opener on ESPN3 or listen live on the Hawks Radio Network powered by SFMSports.Net and the new flagship station Fox Sports 960 AM WTGM in Salisbury, Md. Click here for ESPN3 direct link and click here for live audio.

For complete recaps, results and news of Hawk athletics, please visit www.umeshawks.com