Taylor releases its basketball schedule

UPLAND — The Taylor University men’s basketball team will open its 2009-10 schedule with exhibition games against NCAA Division I opponents, Ohio and Butler and a trip to NCAA Division II Gannon University during the holiday break.
The Trojans will open their preseason against Ohio on Oct. 30. The Bobcats are coached by 1994 Taylor graduate John Groce and former teammate and former Trojans’ assistant coach Chris Holtman.
“I am looking forward to seeing John and Chris in action together,” said Taylor coach Paul Patterson. “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 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 on Nov. 24 and Spring Arbor University on Dec. 5, and play host to Huntington University on Dec. 1.
The 26th annual Ivanhoe’s Classic is slated for the weekend of Dec. 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 Dec. 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 Nov. 3 against Miami-Hamilton at 7 p.m.
Statistics of all home games will be provided live online at www.taylor.edu/athletics.