The Mean Green men's and women's basketball teams will enjoy more media exposure, tougher competition and regional rivalries as members of Conference USA.

The men's basketball team opened its 2013-14 season Nov.1 with head coach Tony Benford leading the team to its first win of the season with the help of Vertrail Vaughns, Kelvin Gaines, Brandan Walton, T.J. Taylor, Armani Flannigan, Maurice Aniefiok and Colin Voss. Men's basketball entered the season on a high note. Former player Tony Mitchell was selected 37th overall in the NBA draft by the Detroit Pistons, becoming the highest NBA draft pick in Mean Green history.

Mean Green women's basketball also looks to take major steps forward its first season in C-USA under the leadership of head coach Mike Petersen. Point guard Candice Adams, one of the top players in Texas, will be important to helping the team secure victories on the court this season. Returning top scorer and Sun Belt third-team selection Alexis Hyder, also is one to watch.

And in Mean Green football, the team became eligible for a bowl game for the first time since 2004.

Read more and get the latest bowl updates and ticket information online.