The official start to the Stetson men's basketball season is still two weeks away, but the Hatters will open preseason competition on Saturday with the first of two home exhibitions. The Spartans will challenge Stetson at 1:00 p.m. at the Edmunds Center.

Having started practices nearly a month ago, the Hatters are ready to take on somebody other than themselves for the first time this season. Head Coach Corey Williams and the new staff have prepared Stetson for the 2013-14 season, and the Hatters will have two dress rehearsals before starting the regular season. After Saturday's game Stetson will host Palm Beach Atlantic on Monday, Nov. 4 at 7:00 p.m.

An NCAA Division II member, Tampa went 17-14 overall last season, but finished just 3-13 in the Sunshine State Conference. The Spartans return one of their two primary scorers from a year ago in Da'Markco Foster. The 6-3 guard led Tampa with 15.9 points per game on 40.8 percent shooting from the field, and added 80 assists.

Admission to Saturday's game will be free for all fans in attendance. Those unable to make it out to the Edmunds Center can watch the game on HatterVision with Robbie Aaron on the call. Live Stats, the @StetsonMBB Twitter feed, and Hat-Alerts are also available for in-game updates.