AUGUSTA, Ga. -- Eleven home games highlight the 2006-07 Augusta State men’s basketball schedule, according to an announcement Wednesday from head coach Dip Metress.

The Jaguars, who were 15-13 overall and 11-9 in Peach Belt Conference play last season, open their 2006-07 campaign with exhibition games at George Washington and Virginia in early November.

ASU takes on GW on Wed., Nov. 1 at 7:00 p.m., and meets Virginia on Sat., Nov. 4 at 7:00 p.m. The contest in Charlottesville will be the first-ever game to be played in John Paul Jones Arena, the Cavaliers’ new multi-million dollar facility.

The Jags and George Washington faced off in an exhibition last season, with the 21st-ranked Colonials pulling away for a 103-96 win. ASU and UVA have never met on the hardwood.

The Jags officially tip off their 2006-07 slate at Carson-Newman on Sat., Nov. 18 in Jefferson City, Tenn. ASU’s home opener is set for Tues., Dec. 5 against Queens University in Christenberry Fieldhouse. Eight of the Jags’ first 11 contests will be on the road.

ASU will again face cross-town rival Paine College in a home-and-home series, traveling to Carter Gymnasium on Mon., Nov. 27. Nearly three weeks later, the Lions return the favor in Christenberry Fieldhouse on Sat., Dec. 16.

The Jags open their conference schedule at home on Thurs., Jan. 4, when they square off with defending PBC co-champion Columbus State in Christenberry. ASU hosts UNC Pembroke for Homecoming on Sat., Feb. 17.

“Once again we have probably over-scheduled this year,” said Metress, entering his third year at the helm of the program. “Our two exhibitions are against two potential NCAA Division I tournament teams. With the change in format in the Peach Belt Conference’s scheduling and the way the leagues are split into divisions, we have definitely drawn the small straw, but we welcome that challenge. We have been on the bubble for an NCAA berth the last two years and we will will surely be tested with our out-of-conference schedule."

In his first two seasons, Metress has guided ASU to a 34-24 record and a 21-15 mark in league play. The Jags finished sixth in the Peach Belt Conference last season after tying for second in the North Division in 2004-05.

ASU returns two starters -- junior guard Demetrius Howard and junior forward A.J. Bowman -- and six lettermen from last season’s squad that advanced to the PBC Tournament quarterfinals.