November 2008

CAMPUS NEWS

Senior center Frane Markusovic jumps for the opening tip during the men's basketball team's first home game of the 2008-2009 season.

Basketball Season Begins with Tough Schedule, High Hopes

The men’s basketball team is looking forward to playing in front of a packed Bender Arena this year. And they’ll need their fans more than ever, given the squad’s competitive early schedule.

The team welcomed back fans before its first home game against St. Francis (Pa.) on Nov. 17 at 7:30 p.m., with a pre-game reception in the Kettler Palmer Lounge. The event was an opportunity for the university community to see the beginnings of what will hopefully turn out to be another championship season. 

“We greatly appreciate their [fan] support,” says assistant coach Kieran Donohue. “We hope to provide them [fans] with a good representation,” said Donohue of the team’s pride in playing in front of a hometown crowd.

There’s nothing better than playing in front of a packed house, says senior business administration major and team captain, Brian Gilmore. “We’ve got a lot of quality games ahead of us in the region,” said Gilmore of the schedule that also includes NCAA qualifiers Mount Saint Mary’s and University of Maryland Baltimore County. “We realize how much better we can be earlier,” said Gilmore of the Eagles’ need to start strong against their tough schedule of competitors.

Clawed stopped by the pre-game reception to spread some AU spirit - and found Alumni Board member Jonah Gitlitz, KSB/BS '55, and his wife, Sallie.  photos by Bill Petros

“This is a whole new challenge ahead of us this year,” said Donohue. “Repeating [last year’s Patriot League Championship success] will probably be harder than winning it the first time around.”

The Eagles returned to the court with a pre-season No. 1 Patriot League ranking, and soundly beat St. Francis (Pa.) 67-46. Moving forward, the team will look to capitalize this season on the experience of seven seniors during a campaign that includes away games at perennial powerhouses Georgetown University and the University of Maryland. Their first Patriot League game will be at home in Bender Arena on Jan. 10, at 2 p.m., vs. Lehigh University.

With an exciting and competitive year ahead, there are more ways than ever to be a part of the Eagles season.  The majority of Eagle home games will be broadcasted on Federal News Radio on stations 1500 AM, 820 AM and 1050 AM, including the Jeff Jones Coach’s Show that will air every Saturday at noon on 1500 AM. 

Additionally, fans can watch the new Eye on the Eagles TV show that will air at 4:30 p.m. on Comcast Sports Net on Dec. 23, Jan. 20, Feb. 16, Mar. 3 and Mar. 16, hosted by Al Koken, SPA/BS ‘74. 

The men’s first Patriot League game will be at home in Bender Arena on Jan. 10, at 2 p.m., vs. Lehigh University.

The lady Eagles, led by new head coach Matt Corkery, have begun their season at 3-0, including a 74-65 victory in their home opener versus Drexel University.  The lady Eagles, picked to finish third in the Patriot League, will also begin conference play on Jan. 10 at Lehigh University.

Tickets for all regular season games are on sale now and can be purchased at http://aueagles.tix.com. 

-Dan Beardslee, SOC-SPA/BA ’07

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