Feb. 1, 2005

John Paul Merritt, star of the hit ABC show "The Bachelorette", is planning to attend Samford's men's basketball game Thursday. The Bulldogs play host to Tennessee Tech at 7 p.m. in Seibert Hall in a game that should go a long way in determining the OVC regular season champion.

John Paul will be in the stands to cheer on his younger brothers, J. Robert Merritt and Joe Ross Merritt, key players for the Samford Bulldogs. For the season, J. Robert is averaging 16.3 points, while Joe Ross averages 5.6 points.

The Bulldogs will begin a key four game homestand Thursday, and a special halftime promotion is geared toward attracting more fans to Seibert Hall. John Paul Merritt will be presenting flowers (presumably roses) and a gift certificate for a free meal to McCormick & Schmick's seafood restaurant in Colonial Brookwood Village to one lucky female fan.

Samford is 6-2 in the OVC, just one game behind 7-1 TTU. Tickets to the double-header are $8.00 for adults, $3.00 for children under 12. The women's team plays at 5 p.m.