BOLIVAR, Mo. -- The SBU Bearcats will open their 2008 season against the Riverhawks of Northeastern State in Tahlequah, Oklahoma on Saturday.

The Bearcats own a 6-4 record in the all-time series with the Riverhawks, which includes a current streak of three wins. All three victories have been decided in the final moments of the contest. Last season, SBU trailed at the half against Northeastern in Bolivar, but outscored the Riverhawks 50-39 in the second half for the win. SBU's Rachel Graves scored 19 points in the win.

New head coach, JC Carter, inherits a team who finished the 2007-08 season at 21-10, with a 11-7 mark in the MIAA. They were 14-1 at home and advanced to the finals of the MIAA Tournament in Kansas City last March. The Bearcats saw more post-season action when they were invited to the NCAA Tournament as a #5 seed in the South Central Regional.

"Our players are ready to get the season started," said Carter. "We are glad to have two exhibitions under our belt, but we're excited to play for real. Northeastern is a tough-minded team, with a good point guard, and some good freshmen. They play very well on both ends of the court. At this point in the season, I'm emphasizing the need to create and develop good habits.

SBU will have three key returners, who started all 31 games last season, in their opening-game lineup in Courtney Creed (Sr., 5-8, G) from Walnut Grove, Mo., Cortney Shewmaker (Sr., 5-6, G) from Buffalo, Mo., and Rachel Graves (Jr., 5-9, G/F) from Springfield, Mo. Last season, Creed averaged 11.0 points, 4.8 rebounds, and 3.0 assists. Shewmaker averaged 9.7 points, 3.5 rebounds, and 3.5 assists last season. Graves contributed 8.8 ppg, 5.2 rpg, and 3.6 apg during the 2007-08 campaign.

SBU has played two exhibition matches this season against Missouri (losing 80-50 in Columbia) and Livin' the Dream (winning 114-70).