12/11: Fontbonne – A “study-break march” from the South-40, has been planned as a promotion for this women’s game. The teams have been “cross-town rivals” ever since that infamous day when Fontbonne squad broke WU’s streak of 81 consecutive victories back in January 2001.
Last season was pay back for WU, as they were motivated to a 95-65 win in Francis Fieldhouse.
Crowley on Fontbonne: “It was a big game last year because they were the ones who broke the steak the previous year. It was huge. That was the “Wydown Showdown.”
11/30: Trinity University Classic -While the women host their tournament, the men will be in Texas that weekend, facing Trinity U.
Jeffries, a native Texan, on going home: “I know personally I’m looking forward to that game because that’s the closest I’m ever getting to home. I’m going to have a few people down there. It’s going to be good. That will be like the first real game my mom has been too.”
12/6: Coe College -The WU men won 100-80 at home last season, but playing Coe on the road may be far more challenging.
Edwards on playing Coe: “I think the biggest challenges early on this season will be our road games in the second week of the season. We have to go up to Coe College in Iowa. Coe has their whole team back also, and we have to go to Illinois Wesleyan on the same trip. In 8 days we have to play 4 tough road games, and I think that’s going to be a big test for us. It’s going to give us a good indicator of where we are.”
12/8: Illinois Wesleyan – Despite beating the team 81-58 at home last year, Illinois Wesleyan will be some of the best competition WU’s men face all season.
Edwards on Illinois Wesleyan: “I think beating Illinois Wesleyan soundly [last season] was nice for us. They’ve been a nemesis. That’s been a game that we’ve had a difficult time winning in past years, and getting them in here, playing good basketball, beating them the way we should, was big. Of course, this year we have to go up and play them at their place, so that should be an interesting game this year too.”
Jeffries on Illinois Wesleyan : “No one on the team has ever won at Illinois Wesleyan. Of us seniors, myself, Joel, Matt, Jarriot and Dustin, we got our first loss, our first two losses really, in their gym. I know I really want to win. I think we all really do. Their gym is just a totally different environment. The atmosphere is going to be so great.”