MACON, Ga. – Mercer University’s women’s and men’s basketball teams both take on Georgia College and State University in an exhibition doubleheader on Thursday (Nov. 3) evening at the University Center. The women’s game tips off at 5 p.m. followed by the men’s contest at 7:30 p.m.

The games are a “Coaches vs. Cancer” fundraiser. There will be no admission charged at the door, but donations will be collected by members of the MU’s Student-Athlete Advisory committee (SAAC) and all proceeds will be turned over to the American Cancer Society.

Even though the annual games are exhibitions, the battles between the two middle Georgia schools have produced much excitement over the course of the series. The games with the Bobcats will be the final pre-season tuneups for both of Mercer's teams in preparation for next week's regular-season opening games.

Susie Gardner’s women’s squad will take the floor sporting a total of eight new faces from last season’s roster. The Bears have eight brand new players and zero seniors in 2011-12, as well as a total of 10 players who are either freshmen or sophomores on the 14-member roster.

Bob Hoffman’s men’s team also has a “youth movement” in 2011-12.  The Bears’ team has but one senior and – much like their female counterparts on the MU hardwood – are very young with 12 of 17 squad members classified as either a freshman or sophomore.

The men’s game is being carried live on the radio by The Peach 96.5 FM, with Rick Cameron – the “Voice of the Bears” – calling all the action, beginning with the pre-game show at approximately 7:15 p.m.  The men’s game will also be available in middle Georgia on WRWR-tv 38 in Warner Robins (check your local cable guide in other areas).