Trojans Announce 2009-10 Hoops Schedule

08.25.2009

The Taylor University Men's Basketball team has released its schedule for the 2009-10 season which features exhibition games against two NCAA Division I opponents in Ohio University and Butler University and a trip to NCAA DII Gannon University during the holiday break.

The Trojans will open their preseason against Ohio University on October 30. The Bobcats are led by 1994 Taylor University graduate John Groce. Spending time as a player and assistant coach under Paul Patterson, Groce was a member of the 1991 team that advanced to the Final Four of the NAIA national tournament as well as the 1994 team that was ranked No. 1 in the country. Assisting Groce is his former teammate and former Trojans assistant coach, Chris Holtmann ‘94.

The two will reunite with their alma mater and mentor in Athens, Ohio.

"I am looking forward to seeing John and Chris in action together," Patterson said. "They both made tremendous contributions to Taylor basketball while they were here and continue to do that by their example and professionalism in their work."

One week later the Trojans will travel to historic Hinkle Fieldhouse to take on the Butler Bulldogs. The 2008 Horizon League regular season champions are coming off a 26-6 season in which they were ranked in the AP and ESPN/USA Today Top 25 polls for 12 consecutive weeks, reaching as high as No. 11.

Trojans junior Drew Tower will meet up with former New Castle High School teammates Zach Hahn and Chase Stigall, a junior and redshirt freshman for the Bulldogs, respectively.

Patterson acknowledges the daunting task of playing two NCAA D-I schools and a potential preseason top 20 team, but is looking forward to the long-term benefits. "We know these games will demand a lot from our players. We feel like the pace and intensity of the games and the experience will go a long way in helping our young guys adjust to college basketball."

Taylor will see three conference opponents during the first semester when they travel to the University of Saint Francis (Nov. 24) and Spring Arbor University (Dec. 5), and play host to Huntington University (Dec. 1).

The 26th annual Ivanhoe's Classic is slated for the weekend of December 11-12 with the traditional Silent Night contest being played on Friday night at 6 p.m.

Before turning the calendar and striking up the bulk of conference action, the Trojans will travel to NCAA Division II Gannon University for a two-day holiday classic on December 29-30.

On two occasions during the second semester the Trojans will face three 2009 national tournament qualifiers in a matter of four games, including back-to-back games against 2009 co-conference champions Bethel College and Indiana Wesleyan University.

The Trojans will tip-off the regular season at home on November 3 against Miami-Hamilton at 7 p.m. All home contests will provide a live stats feed via www.taylor.edu/athletics.

2009-2010 Men's Basketball Schedule