RALEIGH, NC - The winter sports season gets underway this weekend as the Shaw men's and women's basketball teams and the women's bowling team make their 2023-24 debut on the road.

The Bears' men head to Institute, W.Va., to compete in the Earl Lloyd Classic. They open the season on Friday, Nov. 10, against Davis & Elkins at 5:30 p.m. Shaw returns to action Saturday, Nov. 11, against West Virginia State at 4 p.m. Click HERE for live stats of both games and HERE for live video of the West Virginia State contest. 

Shaw returns a talented cast of players including speedy point guard D.J. Thomas, center Jamari Roberts, forward Denari Garrett, forward Shayne Siago, forward Amiri Waddell, guard/forward Dreveon Scott, guard Doriuntas Barnes and guard Kobe Jones.

The Lady Bears, last season's CIAA finalists, hit the hardwood Friday in the CIAA/PSAC Classic in Richmond, Va. Shaw takes on East Stroudsburg in the season opener at 5:30 p.m. They get a day off before taking on Millersville on Sunday at 1 p.m.

Two players - guard/forward Inari Jones and center Madjiguene Pene - are back for the Lady Bears, who have won a national championship and nine CIAA Titles under legendary Head Coach Jacques Curtis. The Lady Bears reloaded, however, as they added a slew of talented performers. The team's goal is the same as previous years, which is to win the CIAA crown and advance deep in the NCAA Division II Tournament. 

The Lady Bears'  bowling team will spend three days in Crofton, Md., to compete in the CIAA Event I at the Crofton Bowling Centre. Brooke Smith, last year's CIAA Rookie and Bowler of the Year, will spearhead a Lady Bears' squad expected to duplicate or better last season's third-place finish.

The bowling start times are 10:40 a.m. on Friday and 9 a.m. on Saturday and Sunday.