OXFORD, Miss. – The Alabama State University men's basketball team hits the hardwood for real Monday night when the Hornets meet the Ole Miss Rebels for the 2009-10 season opener in Tad Smith Coliseum at 7 p.m.

ASU, the two-time defending Southwestern Athletic Conference champions, return nine players but no starters from last season's NCAA Tournament qualifying squad. The Hornets also will depend on seven talented newcomers to continue the success this year.

The Hornets posted a 98-83 exhibition win over Talladega College on Nov. 9. In that game, Tramayne Moorer finished with a team high 20 points for the Hornets followed by newcomer Sekani Milligen with 19.

Ole Miss opened its regular season slate Friday night with a decisive 92-64 victory over Arkansas-Little Rock. DeAundreCranston paced the Rebels with 21 points and Murphy Holloway finished with a 17 points and 10 rebounds.

Monday's game marks the sixth all-time meeting between the Hornets and Rebels with Ole Miss having won the previous five meetings. UM posted an 85-81 victory over ASU last season.

After facing the Rebels, Alabama State continues its season-opening road swing at Belmont on Nov. 21. The Hornets regular season home opener is set for Nov. 24 against Columbus State.