LIVINGSTON, Ala. – The University of West Alabama men's basketball team opens up the 2011-12 season this weekend when the squad travels to Niceville, Fla., to participate in the Tom Thumb GSC/SSC Crossover.
 
Teams from the Gulf South Conference will go against squads from the Sunshine State Conference in several games over the weekend. West Alabama is scheduled to go against Barry at Noon Friday, before facing Lynn on Saturday at Noon.
 
The Tigers enter the regular season after going 1-1 in exhibition contests, including an 84-67 setback to Division I opponent Troy. In that contest the Tigers were led by junior guard Jared Woolfolk who had a game-high 21 points to go along with Darrion Booker's double-double (10 pts., 12 reb.).
 
First-year head coach Mike Newell's team enters 2011 with a new look. The Tigers' roster features just three returning players and nine newcomers. The team's second-leading scorer from a year ago, forward Ryan Fitch, returns after averaging 10.5 points per game last season.
 
Following Friday and Saturday's contests, UWA will participate in the Legends Classic – one of the NCAA's most prestigious tournaments. The Tigers travel to Corvallis, Ore., to face Oregon State on Monday, Nov. 14 at 7 p.m.
 
Fans can follow UWA at the tournament on Facebook (www.facebook.com/UWAathletics) and Twitter (www.twitter.com/uwaathletics). Additionally, fans may also sign up to receive SMS text alerts at www.uwaathletics.com.