Aug. 7, 2008

FAIRFIELD, CT - The Sacred Heart University men's basketball team has appeared in back-to-back Northeast Conference Championship games, and its 2008-09 schedule features a challenging slate of non-conference games to help the Pioneers prepare for another run at the NEC crown. The out-of-conference schedule is highlighted by contests against Boston College, Providence College and Penn State, as well as cross-town rival Fairfield.

The season begins on November 14 at Holy Cross in Worcester. The Pioneers defeated the Crusaders at home last season. A rematch with Fairfield University at Harbor Yard is next on the docket on November 18, followed by a November 20 game at Providence College. The Pioneers lost a tough five-point decision to the Friars last season.

November 30 starts a string of five straight home games for the Pioneers starting with Yale. SHU will open NEC play on December 4 against Fairleigh Dickinson and then play defending NEC Champion Mount St. Mary's on the 6th. The home stand ends with games against Albany on the 14th and Hartford on the 19th.

The Pioneers will close out 2008 with a game on December 23rd at Penn State, followed by a game on the 29th at Columbia and a New Year's Eve day game at Boston College on the 31st.

2009 will start with road NEC games at Monmouth on January 3rd and January 5th at LIU. After a pair of home games, the Pioneers will hit the road to renew a rivalry with an old Division II foe. Bryant University, which will join the NEC as a full member in 2012, will host the Pioneers on January 14 and then return the game at the Pitt Center on February 28.

Other key NEC matchups to watch this year will be against Central Connecticut, home on January 31 and in New Britain on February 19; at Mount St. Mary's on January 17, and contests against Robert Morris on Januaru 10 and February 12.

Dave Bike will again be at the helm for the Pioneers, entering his 31st season with a 464-414 career record. Sixth-year senior Joey Henley (Kent, WA) will be the team captain, after missing last season with a knee injury. The Pioneers finished 2007-08 with an 18-14 record.