USIU, Drake Match Veteran Lineups

U.S. International University and Drake will match experienced lineups in tonight’s 7:30 season opener at Golden Hall.

USIU (11-17 last season) has five returners and Drake (12-17) has four. But both teams will be relying on a talented newcomer.

Drake will be counting on 6-foot-7 forward Kevin Sams, who transferred from Southeastern (La.) Junior College. Among the returners for Drake is 6-7 center Sam Roark, who averaged 13 points last season, and 6-2 guard Terrell Jackson, who averaged 12 points.

USIU will be looking to Kevin Bradshaw, a 6-6 guard, to lead its high-scoring offense that averaged 90 points a game last season. Bradshaw, who was a Florida high school player of the year, joined USIU after serving four years in the Navy.

USIU also returns Demetrius Laffitte, who led the team in scoring (18.5) and rebounds (10.5) last season.