Frankfort, Ky.—Kentucky State University athletics will host two free admission men's and women's basketball doubleheaders to put a close on 2017 and to start 2018.

The Thorobrettes and Thorobreds will welcome in Benedict College on Saturday, Dec. 30 with tip-offs set for 1:00 pm and 3:00 pm ET. While Claflin University will visit the Capitol City for games at 5:30 pm and 7:30 pm ET on Monday, Jan. 1.

Head coach Terrance Slater and the Thorobrettes enter the weekend with a 2-10 overall record and a 2-3 record against conference opponents. The next six games will have an impact on KSU when it comes to the SIAC standings, prepping for a run in the conference tournament in late February. From Jan 13. to Jan. 20 the Thorobrettees will take on Tuskegee University, Miles College, and Spring Hill College. Currently, those three squads make up the bottom half of the SIAC standings with a combined record of 11-20 and 2-6 against conference foes. The only team of three to hold a winning record is SHC at 7-5.  

As a team, KSU sits in the middle of most statistical categories within the SIAC as they've used a balanced attack through the first part of the season, with 10 players averaging over 10 minutes of play per game. Senior guard Brittani Rizzi is the lone member to average double-digit scoring at 13 points per game, while freshman forward Erica Jones has showcased her skill set of being both a scoring threat and a rebounding presence with a team-high seven rebounds and just under seven points per game.



The men's team sits in the same position as the women's team of the SIAC west division standings at the No. 3 spot with a 2-4 record against conference opponents and 3-10 overall. Also mirroring the women's situation is the challenge ahead when it comes to making a statement within the division against divisional opponents. The stretch against TU, MC, and SHC will put KSU against the lower half of the standings as they're poised to make a run at the conference crown in 2018.

The offense has been in heavy supply for the Thorobreds, averaging just over 80 points per game for the third overall in the SIAC, the downside so far has been the scoring defense as KSU ranks last at giving up 89 points per game. Last year, head coach Jamaal Jackson saw his team in the same position at 2-10 heading into the conference-heavy portion of the schedule and the calendar about to flip. The Thorobreds began to click winning four of their next five games from Dec. 31 to Jan. 16 the only thing slowing down KSU was a season-ending injury to guard Reggie Breeden derailing the season's momentum.



This year could feature an equal or better run with a healthy Breeden and a more balanced attack by the Thorobreds. Four players will enter Saturday's game against the Tigers averaging over double-digits in scoring with senior guard Dorian Jordan leading the way with 16 points and seven assists per game.

Fans are encouraged to attend and enjoy the festivities at the Exum Center as doors will open at noon on Saturday and 4:30 PM ET on Monday. For fans wanting to keep up with the action but can't attend, follow along live on twitter @KYSUWBB and @KYSUMBB.