DES MOINES, Iowa – The Drake University men's basketball team opens up the 2016-17 season on Friday evening when it hosts South Dakota at the Knapp Center. Tipoff is set for 8:35 p.m. for the first meeting between the two teams in seven years. The contest will be broadcast via The Valley on ESPN3 and on 1350 ESPN Des Moines.

Friday's game will also be Military Appreciation Night for the Bulldogs with all veterans and members of military eligible to receive up to four free tickets through the Drake Athletic Ticket Office.

Both teams are coming off exhibition wins as Drake defeated Concordia-St. Paul, 81-75, while South Dakota prevailed over Loras, 106-76.

With the exhibitions in the rearview mirror and a solid week of practice complete, the Bulldogs are looking forward to starting the season in earnest.

"It's about finally playing a real game," junior guard Graham Woodward said. "South Dakota is a good opponent and we're looking forward to it."

The Coyotes went 14-18 last season, but feature a roster that includes 10 newcomers including a trio of transfers that sat out last season.

The Bulldogs' roster contains eight players that saw time in the starting lineup including preseason all-MVC selection Reed Timmer. The junior guard is the Valley's top returning scorer after posting 16.8 points per game a season ago.  

The Bulldogs have won five of their last season openers and are again aiming to being the season on the right foot.

"It's what we've been waiting for since the season ended in March," said sophomore forward Nick McGlynn. "We've practiced for three months and got better every day over the summer. For me personally, I love when the lights are on in the Knapp Center and all that matters are the 15 guys on the bench and on the court."

Following Friday's opener, the team travels to Kansas City, Mo., to face UMKC on Tuesday, Nov. 15, at 6:35 p.m.