George Mason first-year head men’s basketball coach Dave Paulsen unveiled today the Patriots’ 2015-16 non-conference schedule. Featured on the schedule are six home games to be played in the newly-named EagleBank Arena at George Mason University in addition to the Gildan Charleston Classic.
“We are very excited about our non-conference schedule this season,” commented Paulsen. “We have six home games which will be great for our fans as well as some very prominent road contests. The Charleston Classic, a marquee event, will provide us great competition and national exposure. We are also looking forward to renewing our long-standing regional rivalries with James Madison and Towson. Putting together this non-conference slate against some of the best regional opponents, academic programs and a variety of playing styles will help us prepare for the Atlantic 10 Conference season.”
Paulsen will make his head coaching debut as a Patriot at home on Friday, November 13 when Mason welcomes Colgate to EagleBank Arena.
Following opening night, the Patriots embark on a five-game road trip beginning at Mercer on Monday, Nov. 16 before participating in the eight-team Gildan Charleston Classic. The three-day tournament in Charleston, S.C. runs Nov. 19, 20 and 22 and features Bradley, Long Beach State, Mississippi, Oklahoma State, Seton Hall, Towson and Virginia.
Mason wraps up the road swing at Manhattan on Wednesday, Nov. 25 before returning to EagleBank Arena on Saturday, Nov. 28 to welcome Wright State.
The Patriots will open the month of December visiting former conference opponent Towson on Wed., the 2nd. On Saturday, Dec. 5, Ivy League member Penn will visit EagleBank Arena before Mason concludes the two-game homestand facing 2015 NCAA participant Northern Iowa on Dec. 8.
Mason will visit Harrisonburg, Va. for the first time since 2013, rekindling a rivalry against James Madison on Sat., Dec. 12. Two home games at EagleBank Arena wrap up the non-conference slate as the Patriots welcome Longwood on Dec. 19 and Wagner on Dec. 22.
Mason’s complete schedule, including its conference schedule, will be released at a later date.
Season ticket deposits for the 2015-16 men’s basketball season are now being accepted. For more information on season tickets, please call the George Mason Athletic Ticket Office at (703) 993-3270 or visit GoMason.com.
2015-16 George Mason Non-Conference Schedule
Friday November 13 Colgate
Monday November 16 @ Mercer
Thursday November 19 @ Charleston Classic
Friday November 20 @ Charleston Classic
Sunday November 22 @ Charleston Classic
Wednesday November 25 @ Manhattan
Saturday November 28 Wright State
Wednesday December 2 @ Towson
Saturday December 5 UPenn
Tuesday December 8 Northern Iowa
Saturday December 12 @ James Madison
Saturday December 19 Longwood
Tuesday December 22 Wagner