UE Releases Nonconference Schedule

[AceFan]

Aces Will Keep Roberts Stadium Hopping This Season

8/7/2008 7:44:02 AM

Roberts Stadium will be a busy place in November and December, thanks to the University of Evansville men’s basketball team.

Coach Marty Simmons and his staff have wrapped up their non-conference scheduling for the 2008-09 season, and the result is that UE will play nine of its 11 non-conference games at home. Season ticket orders are now being taken through the athletics department ticket office at (812) 488-ACES. With two exhibition games added in, plus the nine Missouri Valley Conference home games, UE will play on its own court 20 times this season. The last time UE played that many home games was in 1982-83.

“We’re fortunate that it worked out that way,” Simmons says. “With a young team, hopefully it will work out for the best to have so many home games.”

Even though nine of his 14 players are freshmen or sophomores, Simmons will put a more experienced squad on the floor this season, his second as head coach at UE. All five starters return from last season’s 9-21 team, led by seniors Shy Ely and Jason Holsinger. Ely was fifth in the MVC in scoring last season (14.4), Honorable Mention All-MVC, and a member of the MVC Most Improved Team. Holsinger was first in the MVC in minutes played, fourth in assists, and fifth in 3-point field goals.

In addition to previously announced games against the University of Southern Indiana and the University of North Carolina, highlights include Ball State’s first trip to Evansville since the 1970-71 season and home games against 2008 NCAA Tournament teams Western Kentucky and Austin Peay.

Following the first exhibition game November 1 against USI, Earlham College comes to Roberts Stadium for the final pre-season contest November 8. Earlham senior Tristian Gregory is the older brother of Aces’ guard Trevor Gregory. Tristian averaged 18.8 points as a junior, was the Quakers’ Most Valuable Player, and is four points shy of becoming the 25th player in Earlham history to score 1,000 career points.

The regular season gets underway during UE’s Homecoming weekend, on Saturday, November 15 against Austin Peay. After losing six of its first 10 games last season, including a 10-point loss at Evansville, Austin Peay won 20 of its next 25 to win the Ohio Valley Conference for the second straight year and qualify for the NCAA Tournament. The Governors are 32-8 in OVC play the last two years. Coach Mike Sandifar’s Oakland City University Mighty Oaks come to Roberts Stadium November 18. The Aces and Oaks have played three exhibition games in the past four years, but this will be the first regular season game between the two since 1955. One of OCU’s top newcomers is USI transfer Brandon Hopf, cousin of UE sophomore forward Clint Hopf.

UE’s fourth consecutive Saturday home game in November is the 22nd against the University at Buffalo, a member of the Mid-American Conference. The Aces beat the Bulls 74-44 two years ago at Roberts Stadium to win the four-team America’s Youth Classic, but Buffalo got its revenge last December with an 81-60 victory in New York. The Aces play their first road game November 29 at Butler. Over the past two years, Butler has compiled a record of 59-11 and won three NCAA Tournament games. Evansville is back home December 2 to play Southern Illinois-Edwardsville. The Cougars are coached by UE graduate and former Aces’ assistant coach Lennox Forrester. He took over the SIUE program in 2007 from another UE alum, Marty Simmons, shortly after Simmons returned to the University of Evansville as head coach. One of Forrester’s assistants is former UE player Mark Allaria.

Ball State comes to Roberts Stadium on Saturday, December 6. Last November’s game at Muncie was the first between the Aces and Cardinals since 1979. This will be Ball State’s first trip to Evansville since January of 1971, when both were members of the Indiana Collegiate Conference. Eastern Illinois visits on December 10 in a BracketBusters return game. The Aces picked up their second straight win in the five-year-old BracketBusters series last February at Eastern Illinois, 63-55. Western Kentucky makes its first trip to Roberts Stadium since the 2004-05 season on Saturday, December 13. The Hilltoppers were 29-7 last year and reached the NCAA Sweet 16 after beating MVC champion Drake in the first round on Ty Rogers’ three-pointer at the buzzer. They have a new coach, Ken McDonald, following Darrin Horn’s departure to South Carolina as head coach. However, the Hilltoppers’ biggest loss may be 2008 Sun Belt Conference Player of the Year Courtney Lee, the first round draft choice of the NBA Orlando Magic.

The Aces play their second and final non-conference road game December 18 at North Carolina, the team that most expect to be ranked number one nationally in pre-season polls. All five starters and eight other lettermen are back from Roy Williams’ squad that posted a 36-3 record and reached the Final Four in March. This is the first game in a three-game series against the Tar Heels, who will play at Evansville in 2010-11. The Aces are back home December 20 to play another school from the Tar Heel state, North Carolina A&T. The Aggies are coached by former Louisville standout Jerry Eaves, who played for three NBA teams and coached for three others before taking the A&T coaching job five years ago. Evansville’s only other non-conference game is a home contest in the sixth annual BracketBusters series during the weekend of February 21. BracketBusters matchups will be announced approximately three weeks prior to the event.

“This schedule is probably more challenging than last year, even if you don’t count North Carolina,” according to Simmons. “The non-conference games, and even the exhibitions, are all about getting your team ready for conference play.”

All that remains to complete Evansville’s schedule is the Missouri Valley Conference slate of games. Those dates are expected to be set later this month.

2008-09 UE MEN'S BASKETBALL NON-CONFERENCE SCHEDULE

Saturday, Nov. 1 USI (exhibition)

Saturday, Nov. 8 EARLHAM (exhibition)

Saturday, Nov. 15 AUSTIN PEAY

Tuesday, Nov. 18 OAKLAND CITY

Saturday, Nov. 22 BUFFALO

Saturday, Nov. 29 At Butler

Tuesday, Dec. 2 SIU-EDWARDSVILLE

Saturday, Dec. 6 BALL STATE

Wednesday, Dec. 10 EASTERN ILLINOIS

Saturday, Dec. 13 WESTERN KENTUCKY

Thursday, Dec. 18 At North Carolina

Saturday, Dec. 20 NORTH CAROLINA A&T

Saturday, Feb. 21 BRACKETBUSTERS

[jb399]

Four teams from the big dance last year. I like the regional games with WKU, Butler, Ball State, and Austin Peay. I would really like to see UE play Valpo. Two very similar schools in terms of academics and size could make for a decent in-state rivalry to go along with Butler. Maybe Valpo wants Bouchie and the Aces to come to town next year? SIU-Edwardsville will definitely be hungry again their old coach. There is really no reason the Aces shouldn't finish at or above .500 again this year.

[UE-BBALL#1]

Four teams from the big dance last year. I like the regional games with WKU, Butler, Ball State, and Austin Peay. I would really like to see UE play Valpo. Two very similar schools in terms of academics and size could make for a decent in-state rivalry to go along with Butler. Maybe Valpo wants Bouchie and the Aces to come to town next year? SIU-Edwardsville will definitely be hungry again their old coach. There is really no reason the Aces shouldn't finish at or above .500 again this year.

I don't think Valpo will look to play UE again. They got hosed at Roberts and Homer wasn't happy with his ejection. He had quite a few comments after the game, and I would be willing to bet they didn't try hard to extend that contract.

Overall, a pretty weak schedule I think. I'm not a fan of the D-2 and transitional D-1 regular season games. There are maybe 4 decent games on that schedule, but more likely 2 as WKU and Austin Peay won't be as good this year. Too many compelte cupcakes for such a lack of quality games.

[doinit salukistyle]

I'm not against having an "easy" schedule when you guys are young, and need confidence. I would have probably scheduled a couple more away games, but that's just my opinion.

Just get good by 10-11 season so you can beat UNC at home! :aces:

[valleyclimber]

Definitely can see UE going 9-2 non-con...especially with all 5 of their starters returning. Think getting a victory over WKU would be BIG. Also if the Aces can go into Indy and steal one from Butler, then they'd have 2 very nices win in their non-con. The Aces need to go into North Carolina and hang with the Tarheels...that (coupled with 9 or 10 OCC wins) would raise some eyebrows about how Marty Simmons has the UE programs back in the mix nationally...VERY COOL! :yes:

Go get 'em Aces!! :aces:

Keep it rockin' Valley! :valley: :clap:

[WSUbballer]

You can definitely see them going 9-2?? :lol:

I know you're one of the site's most optimistic posters, but 9-2? If that happens, this conference is gonna bring in 5 bids to the NCAA's this year.

[UE-BBALL#1]

You can definitely see them going 9-2?? :lol:

I know you're one of the site's most optimistic posters, but 9-2? If that happens, this conference is gonna bring in 5 bids to the NCAA's this year.

Not real sure what you're getting at. 9-2 is definitely possible with this schedule, as UNC and Butler are the only things close to definite losses, and even UE has hung with Butler the last couple of years. No one else on that schedule represents a game UE shouldn't be favored in.

[Indy_BB]

Evansville is 1-9 vs Butler since '94/'95, the game is in Indianapolis, and the talent isn't even remotely close. If the score stays within 20, Simmons has accomplished something.

It won't stay within 20.

[UE-BBALL#1]

Evansville is 1-9 vs Butler since '94/'95, the game is in Indianapolis, and the talent isn't even remotely close. If the score stays within 20, Simmons has accomplished something.

It won't stay within 20.

So... I'm wrong in saying that UE kept it close the last couple years? That's what I thought.

[WSUbballer]

Not real sure what you're getting at. 9-2 is definitely possible with this schedule, as UNC and Butler are the only things close to definite losses, and even UE has hung with Butler the last couple of years. No one else on that schedule represents a game UE shouldn't be favored in.

A lot of homeristic fans come into the year thinking 'hell yah, we can go undefeated at home in the non-con. I mean we're at home..' There will be an opponent or two that can come into Evansville and win. I don't think it's that unrealistic to think about. Even your coach commented on how difficult a schedule this was gonna be, minus the UNC and Butler games. How many times last year, or the year before did you think you could win all your 'winnable' home games but didn't. No offense, but this goes more so to Evansville than any other team right now..

[UE-BBALL#1]

A lot of homeristic fans come into the year thinking 'hell yah, we can go undefeated at home in the non-con. I mean we're at home..' There will be an opponent or two that can come into Evansville and win. I don't think it's that unrealistic to think about. Even your coach commented on how difficult a schedule this was gonna be, minus the UNC and Butler games. How many times last year, or the year before did you think you could win all your 'winnable' home games but didn't. No offense, but this goes more so to Evansville than any other team right now..

The thing is, no one was on here guaranteeing 9-2. However, look at that schedule and say 9-2 isn't a possibility. In reality, UE is a young team and will probably lose a game they shouldn't. But I firmly believe they are the better team in 9 of these nonconference games, so when you spout off saying its basically impossible, I take issue with that. That's all.

[jays11]

If you cant go 9-2 with that schedule then thats embarrassing, nice to see a team like NC on there though

[SubGod22]

I'm gonna say they end up 6-4 going into Valley play. It's not a bad schedule though for them. They're young and learning to win and play together is normally easier at home than on the road. Can't really predict the BB game since I don't know who it is.

I do think Simmons will have things moving in the right direction though. I hope he does anyway.

[valleyclimber]

Actually WSUballer, I've been real close to right-on accurate with my Valley non-con predictions for the past couple of years. I stand by my original thought of UE possibly going 9-2 outside the MVC. I don't have any homerism at all....just think with the Aces schedule, that it's entirely doable.

UE got more and more competitive last season during the Valley sched and that was with a VERY young team. All 5 starters return, and that very same team threw a scare into a few of the Valley schools last season. I'm not saying they're be this season's Drake, but IMHO the Aces will take care of business in their non-con, and UE will more than give some MVC foes a run for their money once the conference season rolls around.

ROCK IT VALLEY!! :valley:

[Indy_BB]

So... I'm wrong in saying that UE kept it close the last couple years? That's what I thought.You are right. Last year the game was a 13-point margin in Evansville and the year before it was 11 in Indy. I'd agree that is entirely too close.

[UE-BBALL#1]

You are right. Last year the game was a 13-point margin in Evansville and the year before it was 11 in Indy. I'd agree that is entirely too close.

I can't help but wonder if you actually remember either of the games, because both were closer than the final score indicated. Wouldn't want those pesky facts to get in the way though. No one on here argued that UE could or would beat Butler this year, but based on the past results staying within 20 (which you mention as basically the best case scenario) makes you sound clueless.

[Indy_BB]

I have absolutely no beef with the Aces, but this is what Butler's presenting (http://images.yuku.com/image/jpeg/35716845113dcf0d679162bb2b20a390ca418625.jpg). Please compare it to what the Aces are bringing to the table. It is just not close.

[UE-BBALL#1]

I have absolutely no beef with the Aces, but this is what Butler's presenting (http://images.yuku.com/image/jpeg/35716845113dcf0d679162bb2b20a390ca418625.jpg). Please compare it to what the Aces are bringing to the table. It is just not close.

Then don't come on here spouting off about how lucky UE will be to stay within 20 points. I don't believe for a second that Butler is better without Graves and Green, and UE hung with those teams the last two seasons. Based on results, you're comment about a 20 point game comes off as a bit smug.

[E-Ville]

Does anybody have any Zach House progression updates??

I saw a picture of Haarsma and he is RIPPED!

[douglasdmb]

Wow, why all the sudden hate for the Aces?

Personally, I think they have a pretty good schedule. WKU is a home game that anybody in the conference would love to have. I also don't see a huge problem with bringing in USI again, it'll just put more butts in the seats at Roberts.

I can't see UE leaving the play-in round this season, but they'll probably be a very sound competitor in the Valley in 2009-10.

[Aces101]

You mean that Butler only defeated UE by 11 and 13 points the past 2 seasons? This is during the Butler run as being a nationally ranked team and the Aces enduring a coaching/player change. To me, Butler should not brag about winning by those margins.

:aces:

[jb399]

I have absolutely no beef with the Aces, but this is what Butler's presenting (http://images.yuku.com/image/jpeg/35716845113dcf0d679162bb2b20a390ca418625.jpg). Please compare it to what the Aces are bringing to the table. It is just not close.

Last time I checked they actually play the games before determining a winner, not by a roster comparison.

It was a 13 point spread last year. Butler loses all five starters from the game last year and 48 ppg overall and Evansville loses basically nothing but yet this year if the game is within 20 points to will be a miracle? I'm not following the logic.

[goaces]

Last time I checked they actually play the games before determining a winner, not by a roster comparison.

It was a 13 point spread last year. Butler loses all five starters from the game last year and 48 ppg overall and Evansville loses basically nothing but yet this year if the game is within 20 points to will be a miracle? I'm not following the logic.


Couldn't have said it any better. As an Aces fan, I have always liked Butler and enjoyed what they have accomplished. But as bad as the Aces have been the games with Butler have usually been close. The roster comparison is really laughable, as if somehow Aces fans should be intimidated. If I were a Bulldog fan I think I would just concentrate on trying to beat Wright State.

[ACES..ACES]

I need some help searching for something on the internet. In the past I found a site where you could see the all time win-loss records against every school that the Aces have played, but now I can't seem to find it.

Any help would be appreciated.

[BeeLine]

I've said it before, that other than what Drake did, I was most impressed with what Marty did with EU last year than any of the other 1st year coaches. Jank had a good year but he had a veteran team and one of the top players in the conference to work with. Marty got EU to play much harder on defense, they were more athletic than previous years, and they didn't quit playing start to finish in the games I saw them. I expect that as the talent and athleticism continues to be added to, the Aces will become a very solid Valley team. Won't surprise me if they make a solid bid to escape a playin game in St Louis. 9-2 looks doable for the noncon, but I'll guess
8-3/7-4.

[Bigcityp]

I've said it before, that other than what Drake did, I was most impressed with what Marty did with EU last year than any of the other 1st year coaches. .

I didn't realize the Elon University has a basketball coach named Marty too.. Did they have a good year last year or something????

[BeeLine]

I rescind everything I said, just kidding. My bad, got in a hurry last nite.