The Missouri State basketball teams prepare for their first challenges of the 2008-09 season when they host a pair of exhibition games at Hammons Student Center in the coming days.

The Lady Bears who were picked sixth in the Missouri Valley Conference preseason poll, return two starters and six letterwinners from last year’s squad, including preseason all-MVC selection Maggie Dwyer.

Coach Nyla Milleson’s squad opens Saturday with a 7 p.m. exhibition tilt with Southwestern Oklahoma State at Hammons Student Center.  

After the game, JQH Arena will host a student-oriented "Preview the Q" event from 9-11 p.m., featuring appearances by Director of Athletics Bill Rowe, Coach Milleson, and men’s head coach Cuonzo Martin. Musical performances at the free event include The Cadence, Your Vegas, The Beartones and others.  The Arena will also be open to the public from 5:30-6:45 p.m. prior to the exhibition game.

The Bears begin preseason play on Monday evening against Quincy University at Hammons Student Center with a 7 p.m. tipoff. Tickets are also available through the Athletics Box Office and at MissouriStateTix.com.

First-year Head Coach Cuonzo Martin returns six lettermen from last season’s squad and is looking to introduce his brand of basketball to Bears fans across the nation this season. His squad was picked 10 th in the preseason league poll, despite returning three starters from a 17-16 team in 2007-08.

JQH Arena will also be open from 5:30-6:45 p.m. on Monday evening prior to the Bears’ game against Quincy. The final two public open house events at the University’s new 11,000-seat home basketball facility will take place prior to the final exhibitions of the preseason – November 9 from 12-1:45 p.m. prior to the Lady Bears’ 2:05 p.m. game against Arkansas Tech; and November 10 from 5:30-6:45 p.m. before the Bears take on East Central University at 7 p.m.