FAIRFIELD, Conn. -- Fairfield University basketball fans will gain their first glimpse at the Stags on Friday night when Head Coach Ed Cooley and his squad will take the hardwood at the Arena at Harbor Yard for an exhibition game against the University of Bridgeport.

The two teams met a year ago for an exhibition as well, with the Stags posting 68-51 victory behind a 13-point effort by Jonathan Han. Anthony Johnson secured a game-high eight rebounds in the game, his debut as a member of the Stags basketball program.

Head Coach Ed Cooley led his team to a 13-19 overall record and a 10-6 Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference (MAAC) mark. The Stags will look to replace their leading scorer from a year ago, namely Michael Van Schaick. The guard/forward averaged 15.4 points per game last season, and was responsible for 88 of the team's 183 three-point baskets.

Van Schaick's departure may open more scoring opportunities for Jonathan Han and Herbie Allen. Both proved their ability to score from beyond the arc a year ago with Han netting 26 three-point baskets and Allen adding 22 three pointers. Greg Nero and Anthony Johnson will be back to anchor the front court after stellar rookie campaigns. Nero is the top returning scorer with 9.4 points per game, which placed him second on the team a year ago. Johnson led the team with 34 blocks and was second in rebounding with 4.8 caroms per contest. Marty O'Sullivan returns for his fourth season as a Stag after leading the team with a 5.6 rebounding average.

The University of Bridgeport posted a 22-9 overall record and a 15-6 mark in the East Coast Conference. The Purple Knights reached the 2007 NCAA Division II Regional semi-final before losing to top-seed Bentley. The team will look to replace Japhet McNeil, who led Division II with 4.4 steals per game as well as the team with 16.8 points per game. Bridgeport opens its season on November 17 when it hosts Bryant College, followed by a home game against American International College on November 18. The Purple Knights are under the guidance of Head Coach Mike Ruane, who opens his eighth season at the helm this evening.

Fans who attend the Bridgeport doubleheader will have an opportunity to purchase NCAA Division I Women's Basketball Championship first and second round tickets that night, a few days before the public sale which is slated for November 5.

The men's basketball team opens up the regular season on November 9 when it travels to Wake Forest for a 7 pm game.