Northern Kentucky University Men’s Basketball will begin its regular season Nov. 17 by playing host to the 25th annual John L. Griffin/Lions Club Classic in Regents Hall. NKU faces off against Ferris State at 7:45 p.m. in the first game of the two-day event. The Norse will meet Wayne (Mich.) State at 7:45 p.m. the next day.

NKU, which comes into this season with high expectations, will be immediately tested. Ferris State finished last season with a record of 18-13, advancing to the NCAA Division II tournament.

The Bulldogs return three starters and six varsity contributors overall. They will rely heavily upon the skill of senior forward Terrance Shaw, who was named All- Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference second team last season. The 6-foot-5 Shaw averaged 13 points and a team-best 6.8 rebounds in 2005-2006. Ferris State is picked second in the GLIAC North Division preseason poll.

Wayne State welcomes back three starters, including All-GLIAC performer Kris Krzyminski, from a team that finished with an 11-14 record last season. The Warriors will also welcome a talented group of newcomers, including transfer Jason Saddler. He is a talented recruit who will make an immediate impact on Wayne State. Saddler scored 13 points and grabbed 13 rebounds during an exhibition game against Division I foe Eastern Michigan Nov. 3.

Last year, the Norse was able to come from behind to upset the No. 6 team in the Division II Preseason Poll, University of Findlay. They were led by the scoring of Vincent Humphrey and Kevin Schappell, two players who the Norse will look to this year for more points and leadership. Humphrey and Schappell netted 22 and 14 respectively.

Wayne State and Christian Brothers will kick off the tournament Nov. 17 at 5:45 p.m. Both of NKU’s games will be broadcast live on WIOK (107.5 FM) and can also be heard on the Internet at www.nku.edu/~athletics.