Despite the recent negative stigma associated with the status of businesses in downtown Hattiesburg, downtown business owners are optimistic about the future.

While several businesses closed their doors in 2015, a number of new businesses have opened in downtown. These recent openings include The Shop Downtown, Juvo Technologies, The Dollar Box Showroom, Domenico’s Gelato Bar, GrateFull Soul, The Little Building and Ardor.

In addition, several businesses in downtown Hattiesburg recently reopened their doors, including Vicki’s on Walnut (formerly Walnut Circle Grill), The Skylight Lounge and The Yokel.

Despite the assumption of downtown disparity, business owners’ reasons for remaining in downtown Hattiesburg potentially indicate the opposite.

Barry Herring, owner of Southern Fried Comics, said one of the many benefi ts of having his business in downtown Hattiesburg is the overall sense of community that downtown businesses share with one another.

“I can speak especially for the community we have on Front Street and how we all work together and communicate,” Herring said. “For example, we host block parties to help promote each others’ businesses. That’s the community. You can’t really block off Hardy Street or 98 West. It’s that kind of feeling — we are able to have a party and we can

all celebrate the fact that we are all here together.”

Herring said it is this sense of community that sets the downtown scene apart from other popular business locations in Hattiesburg, such as Oak Grove or 98 West, which seems to be the common trend for new and relocating businesses.

“It’s (the uptown business scene that’s) so corporate,” Herring said. “There is no sense of ‘this is your business.’ The sense of community and the

actual character of downtown is the reason why I would rather be here than in a strip mall.”

Josh Aldy, manager of the Depot Coffeehouse and Bistro, said the main factor affecting downtown growth is that downtown Hattiesburg is essentially diversifying.

“With the reopening and restoration of several buildings, downtown has a much larger residential population now,” Aldy said. “Before, it was mostly several law offi ces and things

like that, then a few restaurants followed to cater to them. Then there was the huge renovation of the train depot, and now there are apartments coming. The larger the population, the more potential businesses have downtown.”

In reference to the recent business closures, Aldy said it is more than likely simply coincidence and not defi nitive proof of any kind of decline.

“I think the perception of the recent closures in that maybe downtown was in recession

may have just been coincidental that businesses closed in close proximity to one another, and I don’t think that’s indicative of a greater trend in downtown,” Aldy said.

In fact, Herring confi rmed that his business has experienced progressive growth, validating downtown business owners’ optimism.

“I wouldn’t keep signing the lease if we didn’t see growth,” Herring said. “If not, then I (myself) would leave.”

Thursday, March 5, 2015 Volume 99 Issue 42

www.studentprintz.com

N E W S F E A T U R E O P I N I O N S P O R T SHannibal Buress BUKU festival Midterm blues Baseball

Students pumped for 2015 headliners.

Ways to avoid the mid-semester slump.

Eagles upset Ole Miss in blackout game.

PAGE THREE PAGE FIVE PAGE SIX PAGE EIGHT

Famous comedian delivers in Tuesday night show.

Kara Davidson/PrtinzBarry Herring, owner of Southern Fried Comics, believes the downtown area’s sense of community sets it apart from other areas of Hattiesburg. Contrary to the belief that downtown businesses are less than booming, Herring and other downtown business owners are optimistic about the future.

On Tuesday the student body at The University of Southern Mississippi elected its new Student Government Association offi cers for the 2015-2016 academic year. SGA announced the winners in the Offi ce of Student Activities for president, attorney general and treasurer along with yes or no votes to constitutional changes and a campus smoking ban on Tuesday evening with a total number of 1,604

students who voted. Jeffrey George, a junior political

science major and current SGA president, was re-elected as president with a 68.36 percent vote and 1,065 votes compared to his opponent Matt Balcer with a 31.64 percent vote and 493 votes.

Autumn Sobel, a sophomore history major and vice-chairman of the Judicial Board, was elected attorney general with a 56.25 percent vote and 832 votes.

“When Meredith (Barefi eld)announced my name, I was

overwhelmed with joy and relief,” Sobel said. “I realized at that moment that I have huge shoes to fi ll as I see Wilton Jackson as a great leader at Southern Miss. I am fortunate to follow in his footsteps as the new attorney general.”

Students who also ran for attorney general were freshman broadcast journalism major Quinton Cross with a 16.50 percent vote and 244 total votes and junior history and English double major J.D. Rimann with a 27.25 percent vote and 403 votes.

Junior fi nance major and pre-

medical student Blake Dunaway won SGA treasurer with 978 votes and a 68.39 vote percentage. His opponent Bradley Floore, a junior fi nance and accounting double major, received 452 votes and 31.61 percent of the votes.

“These are all fantastic candidates and all would have been ideal for these jobs,” current election commissioner Meredith Barefi eld said.

Unopposed offi cers automatically elected for their positions were Vice President Kyle Stoner and Election

Commissioner Phoenix Pope. Changes to the SGA Constitution passed by 1,103 votes and 96.33 percent answer yes and only 42 votes with 3.67 percent answer no.

The smoking ban, advocated by members of SGA, received a “yes” vote of 76.68 percent and 1,128 votes. Those who disagreed with the ban on campus smoking totaled 343 out of the 1,471 votes, taking 23.32 percent of the total vote.

The inauguration ceremony will be held on Founder’s Day, March 30 at 3 p.m. in Bennett Auditorium.

Students re-elect George, approve smoking ban

Hub City’s downtown businesses continue to thrive

Nan ButiPrintz Reporter

Colin CameronPrintz Reporter

LOCAL

INFORMATIONPage 2 | Thursday, March 5, 2015

OpinionsExpressed in The Student Printz are those of the writer and not necessarily those of The Student Printz, its publication manager, USM, the Board of Trustees of State Institutions of Higher Learning or the USM Board of Student Publications.

MEET THE STAFFOF SPRING 2015

Source:www.dowedo.net

Across1. Single-celled organism (6)7. Serb or Croat (4)11. Sunscreen rating (3)14. Operates (6)15. Luxury car brand (4)16. Before, in poetry (3)17. First words of a certain Christmas carol (11)19. Fishing implement (3)20. Lucy’s brother (5)21. Latin grammatical case (6)23. ‘Modern Family’ network (3)26. Typeface styles (5)28. ‘Fantastic ___’ (fi lm) (5)29. Watts and Judd (6)31. Largest continent (4)33. Heron’s relative (5)34. Next words of the carol (see 17 across) (9)39. Tangible (4)40. Underground network (5)41. Close (4)

42. Next words of the carol (see 34 across) (9)44. English poet John (5)45. Recipe step (4)46. Mother ___ of Calcutta (6)47. Rope on a ranch (5)50. Historic Russian rulers (5)53. Collection (3)54. On fi re (6)56. Possessive pronoun (5)58. Señor suffi x (3)59. Next words of the carol (see 42 across) (11)64. Jeopardy! contestant Jennings (3)65. Extended family (4)66. Military unit (6)67. ‘...who ___ in heaven...’ (3)68. Predatory bird (4)69. Fixes a mistake (6)

Down1. Target of fast-forwarding (3)2. Hosp. test (3)3. Energy source (3)4. Always (4)5. Advantage (7)6. Houston players (6)7. John Paul II, for one (5)8. Tote (3)9. Condition that makes it hard to focus (abbr.) (4)10. A, B, C, D, or K (7)11. Letter embellishment (5)12. Utah city (5)13. UPS alternative (5)18. Habit wearer (3)22. ‘All About That Bass’ singer Meghan (7)23. End of ___ (5)24. Cream cheese holder (5)25. Reef material (5)27. Witch-hunt town (5)30. ‘The Big Bang Theory’ actress Rauch

(7)32. Neighbor of Leb. and Isr. (3)34. Shape associated with February (5)35. Hogwarts mail deliverer (3)36. Hereditary units (5)37. Medieval European guild (5)38. Dog’s reward (5)40. Biol. or chem. (3)43. Esophagus endpoint (7)44. One who wishes for something (7)46. Type of clef (6)47. Soviet space dog (5)48. Subsequently (5)49. Bias (5)51. Smell (5)52. Oohs and ___ (3)55. Jazz singer Fitzgerald (4)57. Baltic capital (4)60. Statute (3)61. Digital mapping technology (abbr.) (3)62. Gardening tool (3)63. Heavy wts. (3)

EDITORS & STAFF

Executive EditorKathryn Miller

Managing EditorAlan Rawls

Social Media EditorMary Sergeant

Web EditorHayley Howard

News EditorNikki Smith

Sports EditorJoshua Campbell

Design EditorParker Brewer

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Dirty Birds• On Thurs. Feb. 26, simple assault was

reported in Scott Hall at 2:04 p.m. The incident occurred between Wednesday, Feb. 25 at 9 p.m. to Thursday, Feb. 26 at 10 p.m. The case remains open..

• On Tues. March 3, petit larceny was reported in the Village at 12:31 p.m. The incident occurred between Monday, March 2 at 5 p.m. and Tuesday, March 3 at 9 a.m. The case remains open.

Police Contact InformationWhen reporting, the followinginformation should be provided:• Nature of the crime or emergency• Name, address and phone number

of the caller• Location of incident• Description of the scene and

suspects• Description of any vehicles involved,

especially license

plate numbers

University Police911 (emergency)601.266.4986 (non-emergency)Bond Hall, First Floor West

Hub City Comedy presented comedian and writer Hannibal Buress for a one-hour stand-up comedy routine at Brewsky’s March 3. Three acts preceded Buress and saw a turnout of roughly 200 patrons, with only limited seating available on a fi rst-come, fi rst-serve basis.

The headcount was favorable among the comedians. Brandon Phillips, the second of the preceding acts, expressed enthusiasm regarding crowd reactions.

“It was amazing,” Phillips said. “It was great. I’m glad everyone came out and enjoyed it.”

Phillips graduated from The University of Southern Mississippi in 2009 and receives regular fanfare during performances in New Orleans. His subsequent performances can be tracked via his Facebook page and Twitter profi le.

The event’s reception as a whole was generally positive. Alex Royals, Southern Miss graduate assistant for Union and Programs,

said he particularly enjoyed stand-up comedian Brittany Purvis, the fi nal act of the preceding stand-up routines.

Buress was the night’s fourth and fi nal act, ending the show with a comedic musical number, during which an unidentifi ed dancer from the audience improvised a short ballet performance. The comedian’s subject matter ranged from police encounters to unprofessional babies, and the crowd was highly amiable throughout the routine.

Miriam Featherston, a junior nursing major at Southern Miss, said Buress made the greatest impact on the audience.

“He was good at reading the crowd,” Featherston said. “He knew when to segue and to spin a joke differently when the audience wasn’t receptive. He did it perfectly and delivered his jokes at a rapid-fi re speed. If you kept yourself tuned in, the payoff was excellent.”

Over the last several years, Buress has made contributions across the entertainment spectrum, from television writing to voice acting. His stand-up comedy has

been featured on popular late-night television programs such as “The Late Show with David Letterman,” “The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon,” “Jimmy Kimmel Live!” and “Conan.”

Buress appeared alongside Seth Rogen and Zac Efron in the 2014 comedy feature “Neighbors.” Future fi lms with performances by Buress include “Daddy’s Home,” which will additionally star Will Ferrell and Mark Wahlberg, and “Angry Birds,” which is expected to have a 2016 release.

Buress is a series regular on “The Eric Andre Show” and is a contributing voice actor on “Bob’s Burgers.” He is also featured weekly on Comedy Central’s series “Broad City.”

In October 2014, Buress catalyzed a mass controversy concerning Bill Cosby’s rape allegations by mentioning the allegations on stage in Philadelphia.

Cosby’s dubious history was known only to a slight degree among mainstream media, according to news sources; Buress’ statements brought the accusations to widespread attention. On “The

Howard Stern Show,” Buress said that he had not intended his statements to go viral.

Buress’ future routines, as well as

incoming projects, can be followed via his website, hannibalburess.com, and his Facebook and Twitter accounts.

NEWS Thursday, March 5, 2015 | Page 3

Noe Cugny/PrintzLauren Groff, author of “The Monsters of Templeton” and “Arcadia,” is the guest speaker of the second edition of the spring Visitor Writer Se-ries, hosted by the Department of English at the Liberal Arts Building. The New York native reads excerpts from her writings and answers students and faculty questions on her writing experience, the process of writing and the importance of reading. She stays after the lecture to sign copies of her novels. Groff has written short stories for the New Yorker and the Atlantic Monthly. “‘Arcadia’ wends a harrowing path back to a fragile, lovely place you can believe in,” wrote the Washing-ton Post of her last novel.

Aaron J. Stewart/PrintzComedian Hannibal Buress performs live at Brewsky’s Tuesday night for the Hattiesburg community.

Many probably have heard about the historic referendum vote in Scotland that occurred in 2014 when the northern region of the United Kingdom voted to remain a part of the U.K.

But, what one may not have known is that election was the fi rst of its kind in Scotland because of recent changes to Scottish voting law that allowed anyone 16 years old or older to vote. Now, some groups are saying that it is time the U.S. lowers its voting age as well.

More than 80 percent of eligible voters under the age of 18 cast their votes in the Scottish referendum, meanwhile in California just 5.2 percent of eligible 18-year-old voters participated in its 2014 elections.

While that kind of participation would not be guaranteed in the U.S., many in favor of lowering the voting age argue that it would make a signifi cant impact on voter turnout. In Tacoma Park, Maryland, 17-year-olds can vote, and in Iowa 17-year-olds can even vote in caucuses. Many are now arguing that the voting age should be reduced on a national scale.

In a recent Politico article, Peter Levine, the associate dean for research at Tufts University’s Jonathan M. Tisch College of Citizenship and Public Service, argued that allowing people to vote at a younger age would encourage them and their peers to remain politically engaged later in life.

Levine said that many 18-year-olds do not vote because they have already gone off to college and are likely to miss their fi rst opportunity to participate in an election. Once eligible voters miss their fi rst opportunity to vote, they are signifi cantly less likely to vote.

“Many college-age students don’t pick up that habit because they live far from where they might be eligible to vote; or because they are in college in a place where they don’t normally reside and feel less connected to the local political community,” said Marek Steedman, a political science professor and director of American studies at The University of Southern Mississippi. “So encouraging voting while still in high school might help instill that habit before college and make it more likely that people become lifelong participants in the electoral system.”

Levine also said that lowering the voting age would allow them to experience voting while still living with their parents and exposing their peers to voting, creating an environment that emphasizes the importance of voting, increasing young people likeliness to consistently cast their ballots in elections.

“Political scientists have shown that people are more likely to vote when they are asked to do so,” said Marija Bekafi go, a political science professor at Southern Miss. ”People are also more likely to vote when they see or assume others in their peer group are voting, too.”

A 2010 study published on Nature.com shows the results of an experiment on Facebook, in which users who were of legal voting age were divided into three groups. On the day of the 2010 congressional elections, one group received an informational message about the ongoing election, one group received a message showing pictures of some of their friends who had voted, and one group received no message. All three groups were able to click a button at the top of their feed to confi rm that they voted.

The study showed that the group that was shown pictures of their friends who had voted were more likely to vote than the other two groups, whose results were nearly identical. The study shows that the biggest infl uence on whether or not a person votes is if their peers are voting.

Many who oppose the voting age claim that it would benefi t Democrats, arguing that young people are more likely to vote Democrat. But, Levine said that if you look at the votes of young Americans over the past 30 years, rather than the past decade, you can see that young voters typically are more likely to vote Republican. Some experts even say that lowering the voting age might even lower the proportion of young voters that vote for Democrats.

Levine went on to say that it does not matter how it affects Republicans or Democrats. It matters how it affects democracy. He believes that democracy can truly benefi t from a larger more informed electorate.

Lowering voting age could increase turnout

Visiting Writer Series features Lauren Groff

Chris LeePrintz Reporter

NATIONAL ON CAMPUS

Hannibal Buress captures crowd at Brewsky’sJesse HammettPrintz Reporter

LOCAL

Duke University students have a tradition of “tupping” — the art of sneaking food out of

the cafeteria in tupperware.Perhaps the cafeteria food

is amazing at Duke, or food is more pricey in North Carolina than Mississippi, because students at The University of

Southern Mississippi are not as keen to this master plan.

Southern Miss students are familiar with the Fresh Food Company and its creative dishes.

One may find anything from traditional chicken nuggets and fries to a masterpiece from the chefs of the Fresh, such as chocolate and peanut butter muffins smothered in raisins and bacon bits. Those who have been there know that it is never really as good as it may sound.

“I have practiced the art of ‘tupping’ in the Fresh, taking food like pasta, pizza, utensils, salt and pepper,” said Jalia McGriggs, a sophomore chemistry major. “I normally eat food and then get to-go plates full of food that I can eat later, especially since I have labs at night. I also take fruits that I can put in my bookbag so that I can snack throughout the day.”

“It has saved me money, but a lot of times there’s nothing in the Fresh I really want to eat, so I end up spending money anyway,” McGriggs said.

Students at Duke have gone as far as to make grocery lists before entering the cafeteria. Some take a little, while others take as much as a duffel bag filled with fruits.

USM students are more courteous with their tupping.

“I take a carry-out plate loaded down with food I can have later,” said Leanna Hill, a senior laboratory science major. “I usually take few apples or

oranges, but only enough to eat later that day since the produce isn’t the freshest.”

Rather than abusing food privileges, some USM students only take the basics.

“If I take any food it is a fruit for the next morning or for a snack,” said Kristen McLemore, a senior sociology major. “Usually it is an apple. I haven’t ever done so with the intent of saving money, although I’m sure it has saved me money.”

There is the occasional person who is caught taking a jacket full of tomatoes or pineapples, but McLemore does not have any shame in her game.

“I’ve never been caught, but I’ve also never tried to hide it,” McLemore said. “I only take one fruit at a time and walk right past the workers and I’ve never been asked to not do so.”

Although the Fresh may not always have the tastiest dishes, students still appreciate their meals.

“The food isn’t the greatest, but I do enjoy the variety available,” Hill said. “It’s really great that they have a smart side and salad bar. I just wish they wouldn’t make these weird goulash dishes like that sandwich or waffles with nacho cheese and hamburger meat. Just keep it simple.”

FEATUREPage 4 | Thursday, March 5, 2015

MONDAY, WEDNESDAY, FRIDAY & SATURDAY 8:30AM-4:00PMTUESDAY & THURDAY 8:30AM-6:00PM

NEW DONORSEARN$150

FOR YOUR FIRST4 DONATIONS!(Donations must occurwithin a 21 day period.)

www.immunotek.com

Courtesy Photo

USM students take ‘Fresh’ produce

Karyn LewisPrintz Reporter

ON CAMPUS

Spring break is a time when many college students take a vacation from projects, term papers and tests. They try to melt away all the previous stress by dozing off on the beach or raging at a stranger’s house in Gulf Shores. However, some are spending their SBK2015 a bit differently — with graffi ti, fl ashing lights and electronic dance music.

Formally known as BUKU Music + Art Project since 2012, the New Orleans music fest will offer diverse music and an intimate experience for festivalgoers.

Located on the Port of New Orleans at Mardi Gras World, the eclectic scene provides attendees with big-name artists, NOLA’s underground arts community, graffi ti artists and local food vendors.

On March 13 and 14, BUKU will headline some of the biggest up-and-coming artists, such as A$AP Rocky, Passion Pit, Bassnectar and Empire of the Sun. In the past, it hosted other well-known artists, including the Flaming Lips, David Guetta, Ellie Goulding and Zedd.

Students all over the South, including students at The University of Southern Mississippi, will attend the music celebration.

“I am super excited to see Bassnectar for the fi rst time,” said Mamie Longo, a junior French major who will attend BUKU for a third time. “I am also looking forward to (seeing) Zella Day.”

For junior marketing major Jess

Rhodes, she is a BUKU fi rst-timer and she said the festival location is ideal.

“I’ve always been interested in going mainly because the type of music artists they bring,” Rhodes said. “It’s mainly an EDM-based festival, which really draws me in because that’s my favorite genre of music. A lot of people around here aren’t into that type of music or don’t know much about it.”

Another BUKU fi rst-timer is senior business major Frank Powell. He said he is excited about seeing Passion Pit and Bassnectar again, while also pumped about watching bands he has not seen before like Odesza and Empire of the Sun.

Many may wonder how the BUKU crew decides which artists perform at the festival, even though most of these artists are placed into the indie-rock, EDM and hip-hop genres.

“What we are going for is trying to keep it relevant with what’s popular as well as what we think our fans would like,” said Andrew Clements, event coordinator for Winter Circle Productions, which is the company that produces the festival every year.

To put this into perspective, popular EDM artist Bassnectar has over 7 million plays on Spotify for its popular hit, “Bass Head.” However, more unknown bands such as In the Valley Below, which was featured on the ‘Endless Love’ soundtrack, offer a great sound and indie vibe, but are not as popular in mainstream music.

At BUKU’s location, fans will discover six different stages including the Float Den, which is described as a warehouse dance party. Not only are there performances and raging crowds, but one can also experience the BUKulture tent, which features pop-up performances from street performers.

Clements said he enjoys the Back Alley stage, which is smaller than the other stages, and where one can see up-and-coming DJs.

Although most people come for the main headliners, BUKU is also an “art project,” which supports local graffi ti artists and avant-garde art with an industrial touch.

“BUKU is a much more intimate situation,” Clements said. “It’s a boutique festival (in size), but we are bringing national acts that you would see at a larger festival.”

Clements said for him, it is about the whole experience at BUKU, not just one artist.

Longo said she loves the good vibes that she gets from everyone around her at the festival.

“It’s the perfect vacation and I love being surrounded by people all have the same intention and that it have a good time. It just keeps getting better each year,” Longo said.

Tickets for general admission are sold out, but select VIP tickets are still available for purchase. For more information, visit thebukuproject.com/tickets.

The Student Printz will cover the two-day event and provide special coverage on social media and in the March 16 print edition.

FEATURE Thursday, March 5, 2015 | Page 5

Students, festivalgoers to attend BUKU Music + Art ProjectKathryn MillerExecutive Editor

LIFE

Courtesy Photo

Between Mardi Gras break and spring break, there is a short period of time students like to call midterm week. This week is one of the most trying times of the semester.

It’s when things start getting real. Up to this point, I have usually been assigned to write a few chapter summaries or to come up with a newsletter layout. Then, it’s midterm week and all of my professors decide to unleash every form of torture they can. That’s a little dramatic, but it feels that way.

Then, to top it all off, midterm grades are released just one week before I am supposed to embark, stress-free, on my spring break adventure. Every single year, without fail, my midterm grades kick me in the butt.

This is when I begin to worry. My head begins to cloud with questions. And I can’t even vent to my friends about my grades because, lo and behold, their midterms

were just as terrible.“How did this happen?”“I have only missed six classes.” “Should I email my professor and

ask for extra credit assignments?”I like to call the stress most

students experience after the release of their midterm grades “the midterm blues.”

It’s hard to describe the midterm blues. During this time, you honestly just feel tired, depleted and like an utter failure. How do you combat this? How do you feel normal again?

Well, fi rst and foremost, take a long deep breath and then, maybe, a nice long bubble bath. Give yourself some time to relax and remember what it feels like to be stress-free.

Then, go through your planner again. Try to remember what assignments you bailed on or forgot about. Then, look back and remember all of the assignments you excelled in. This will show you that, yes, sometimes you fail, but you can make up for it if you try.

After you have assessed where

you are in the semester and where you would like to be, fi nd something to do that will make you feel good. Whether this is visiting the furry friends at Southern Pines twice a week or re-watching your favorite episodes of “Grey’s Anatomy,” you need to make time to take your mind off school at least a few times a week, if not once a day.

Lastly, the one thing that really helps me combat the midterm blues is to think back to previous semesters. From there, I remember that I have had this feeling of defeat come over me before. I have had and have overcome the midterm blues. And I will overcome them once more.

Midterms are meant to put you in your place. Their purpose is to snap you back into reality before you lose all of your brain cells on spring break. You’re supposed to worry, so don’t feel bad if the midterm blues have got you feeling down. It will all be quite alright, until the next semester rolls around and you do it all over again.

“Dragon Ball Z” and its predecessor, “Dragon Ball,” are quite prosperous properties in their home country of Japan. From 1984 onward, Japanese audiences have experienced the story of Goku in both printed forms and animated television shows, animated feature films and a substantial amount of video games.

However, any semblance of Western exposure to the series would not appear until the late 1990s, when Toonami began to air episodes of “Dragon Ball Z.”

That is when mine and many of my peers’ exposure to “Dragon Ball” began. Though my memories today of watching episodes of the series have become rather faint, I can still recall many of the characters and their designs, and a number of them still pop up in my head as something associated with the simple word “cool.”

However, the many video games associated with the series were never particularly interesting to me and never became any bigger part of my rotation of preferred games.

This brings us to 2015’s “Dragon Ball Xenoverse,” the latest in a long line of games utilizing the “Dragon

Ball” name, ranging in quality from hilariously abysmal to generally passable and sometimes even quite good. But what’s the general verdict on “Xenoverse” itself?

It could probably be described as pretty enjoyable and even addictive, but I wouldn’t say it’s going to definitively win any new fans to the series by either its quality or as an entry point for a “Dragon Ball” newbie.

So where does it go wrong for the prospective buyer who is interested but knows nothing about “Dragon Ball?” To begin with, from the moment you begin the game, it throws you into a time-travel conundrum in which you experience a number of battles across different “sagas” of the series. For fans, it’s a nice nostalgia trip.

Unfortunately, it will probably leave the uninitiated both dazed and confused as they travel through a story spanning several hundred episodes in a matter of minutes.

The entire story is, in effect, pointless because of this. There’s no original content to be found here, save the fact that the game does feature a small handful of original antagonists manipulating scenarios in the already-established canon of “Dragon Ball Z” to assist long-established villains.

For someone new to any part

of the series, it might serve well as a concise summary of the television show, provided they’re willing to break the initial entrance barrier, but it may also leave many unfamiliar players confused.

The problems plaguing the game unfortunately don’t stop there. A substantial amount of the music is stereotypical guitar riffs that seem ripped straight from a royalty-free, non-copyright music website, even if some tracks are enjoyable. Additionally, the sound design is a bit odd.

Still, hearing so many familiar voice actors was quite a treat to my ears, and the majority of the voice actors don’t do a bad job in regard to their roles. Many sound effects are straight from the TV show, which is both a blessing and a curse in that many of the conflicts in the game feel authentic to the show, but sometimes you will be made to hear said sound effects 100 times over in battles.

To be so harshly critical of the game immediately might raise questions of whether I actually enjoy it at all, or if it’s worth its current hefty price tag. However, despite the many flaws I view “Xenoverse” to exhibit, the gameplay itself is still quite fun, if a tad simplistic.

Players are able to choose between five different races

when creating their original character: Majin, Saiyan, Human, Namekian and Frieza Clansman. Players create and customize their character, then assist established characters of the series across many different story “sagas” and “parallel quests,” which act as missions separate from the story that provide opportunities to gain recognizable items or attacks.

Character development comes in the form of six statistics that a player can level up with participation in missions: health, stamina, ki, basic attacks, strike supers and ki blast supers. Combat within the game takes place in recognizable locations from across the entirety of the “Dragon Ball Z” timeline, using a system focused around two resources: stamina and ki. Players use a combination of basic punches and kicks along

with “super” and “ultimate” attacks that mimic many of the most recognizable characters in “Dragon Ball Z.”

Sadly, the combat system becomes fairly predictable after a while.

It’s certainly cool to see your own character using all sorts of varied attacks, like Goku’s obvious “Kamehameha.” But it’s disappointing that the combat system lacks a ton of substance that could have made “Xenoverse” better.

Regardless, “Xenoverse” still has that universal quality which tends to trump many problems: fun. Playing it is fun, and doubly so, given the ability to play with up to two other friends in missions. Combine this simple element of fun with nostalgia, and you don’t have a perfect or even great game, but certainly a lovable underdog.

Avoid midterm blues, enjoy spring break

‘Xenoverse’ heavy on nostalgia, lacks substance

Mary SergeantSocial Media Editor

Brandon AllenPrintz Reporter

OPINIONPage 6 | Thursday, March 5, 2015

LIFE

GAMING

In a year filled with a myriad of issues on and off the court, Southern Miss will play its final game of the season on the road against Louisiana Tech Thursday evening.

While many expected the Golden Eagles to have a strong year on the court, allegations by the NCAA and players’ dismissals changed the dynamic for success.

Riding a two-game winning streak and completing the largest comeback in school history in its last game, Southern Miss (9-19, 4-13) will look to end the season on a high note, preparing to re-establish itself as a powerhouse team in Conference USA.

However, the Golden Eagles will have their hands full in slowing down the Bulldogs.

Louisiana Tech (23-7, 14-3) sits in first place in C-USA, averaging 73 points per game. The Bulldogs rank first in steals and blocks, second in assists, fourth in scoring defense and fifth in free-throw percentage.

In an earlier meeting between the two teams this season, La. Tech defeated USM 83-70, using a strong first half and a consistent second half to get the victory on the road.

Much of the Bulldogs’ success comes from the depth and play of their guards, combining for over half of the offensive production for the team.

Alex Hamilton, a junior guard, ranks sixth in the conference in scoring, averaging 16 points per game for the Bulldogs. Raheem Appleby, the second leading scorer on the team, averages 15 points per game and ranks eighth in the conference in scoring.

Both Appleby and Hamilton play nearly every game to its entirety, averaging 30 or more minutes. The other guards critical to La. Tech’s success are Kenneth Smith and Xavian Stapleton.

Smith, who averages six points in 33 minutes, leads the league in assists with seven per game, making the most of his contribution on the team by distributing the ball to others to make plays.

Stapleton, a 6-foot, 6-inch freshman guard, averages just over six points per game in 16 minutes. With his length and his athleticism, he has the ability to hinder the scoring of opposing players as well as serve as a scoring threat on offense.

In terms of forwards, the Bulldogs feature two guys who can crash the boards, block shots and score as well.

Michale Kyser, a 6-foot, 10-inch forward, averages eight points and seven rebounds per game, ranking 11th in the conference and first in block shots with three per game, respectively. Erik McCree averages 12 points and six rebounds per game.

For USM to win, they will need huge contributions from Chip Armelin, Matt Bingaya and Norville Carey. In the comeback victory against UTEP, the trio combined for 50 of the team’s 63 total points.

Southern Miss can earn another C-USA upset if they can get a strong start from its top three scorers, maintain consistent offensive production and incorporate Shadell Millinghaus into the game, who led the team in scoring last time with 17 points to go along with six assists and four rebounds.

Although Southern Miss ranks last in the conference in scoring offense as well as offensive and defensive rebounds, the Golden Eagles will have to find a way to clean the boards against the Bulldogs’ forwards and limit the opportunities for their guards to score during the game.

In the first meeting between the two teams, Southern Miss did not play well in the first half, trailing 45-29 at the half. However, the offense came to life in the second half, scoring 41 points despite the loss.

It will be imperative that the Golden Eagles to start strong in all aspects of the game, maintain the level of play and finish the game strong to earn the victory.

Tipoff is set for 7 p.m. at Reed Green Coliseum.

Golden Eagles hope to end season on a high note

SPORTS Thursday, March 5, 2015 | Page 7

BASKETBALL

Wilton JacksonSports Reporter

Abby Smith/PrintzJunior Norville Carey takes a shot for the Golden Eagles at their game on Thursday, Feb. 26. Southern Miss beat UTSA 70-66.

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SPORTSPage 8 | Thursday, March 5, 2015

The annual blackout game could not have gone any better for Southern Miss as they knocked off the No. 22 ranked Ole Miss Rebels, 5-1.

Southern Miss got on the board fi rst in the bottom of the second inning. With one out, Tim Lynch walked and Taylor Braley doubled down the left fi eld line, advancing Lynch to third base. Austin Roussel hit a sacrifi ce fl y to left fi eld to give USM the 1-0 lead.

The game appeared on its way to a pitchers’ duel as both teams combined for just fi ve hits after the top of the sixth inning. But the Golden Eagle offense fi nally broke through.

Nick Dawson led off the bottom of the sixth inning with a great at-bat, drawing a nine-pitch walk. He fouled off fi ve pitches to stay alive and started a rally. Dylan Burdeaux followed with a single through the left side.

With runners on fi rst and second and no outs, Ole Miss manager Mike Bianco elected to go to the bullpen and bring in Jacob Waguespack. That move did not pay dividends

though as Matt Durst doubled down the right fi eld line to score Nick Dawson.

Then craziness ensued. Tim Lynch hit a routine fl y ball to center fi eld that dropped in, allowing Durst and Burdeaux to score while Lynch was able to advance to third. Waguespack was fi nally able to get an out by striking out Taylor Braley, but was pulled for lefty Scott Ashford.

But Ashford did not last long either, issuing a four-pitch walk to Roussel before being replaced by Drake Robison. Michael Sterling then hit a sacrifice fly to score Lynch from third and increase the USM lead to 5-0. Breck Kline struck out to end the inning, but the damage had already been done as the Golden Eagles plated four runs in the inning.

Ole Miss finally got to USM starter Cord Cockrell in the top of the seventh, but only managed one run. With Sikes Orvis on second base, catcher Holt Perdzock singled to center field for an RBI single, but was thrown out at second by Connor Barron who alertly caught Perdzock trying to turn his single into

a double, ending the inning. The run ended a 25.2 inning scoreless streak by the USM pitching staff.

Cockrell delivered a stellar performance on the mound for the Golden Eagles, pitching seven innings, allowed just one run on five hits and no walks while striking out five to pick up his first win of the young season.

Despite USM failing to get anything going at the plate in the seventh and eighth innings, Jake Winston made sure there was no need for concern. He closed out the game with two perfect innings to pick up his first save of the season.

Although the Golden Eagles only managed four hits, they were able to manufacture runs. They drew five walks, had three sacrifice flies and stole a base.

With the win over their in-state rival, the Golden Eagles improved to 7-4-1 while dropping the Rebels to 6-5.

USM will look to extend its current four-game winning streak this weekend as it hosts the hapless Oakland Golden Grizzlies (0-8) in a three-game series at Pete Taylor Park.

Golden Eagles knock off No. 22 Ole MissBASEBALL

Joshua CampbellSports Editor

Brittny Roberts/PrintzJunior Cord Cockrell prepares to pitch against Ole Miss Wednesday night at Pete Taylor Park.