Men's Basketball announces 2016-17 schedule
The Griffins are excited to begin 2016-17 play with the addition of an exhibition contest at Missouri State University.
St. Louis, Mo. - Fontbonne University head men's basketball coach Lance Thornhill has announced that after the Griffins open at Morthland on Nov. 15th, Fontbonne will take on his alma mater Missouri State University in an exhibition game on Nov. 17th at 7 p.m. in Springfield, Mo.
"We are extremely excited to play Missouri State", commented Thornhill. "It's not every year we get the chance to compete against a Missouri Valley Conference opponent. They are probably the most decorated basketball program the Griffins have ever competed against. The anticipated 10,000 fans in attendance that night will undoubtedly be the highest attended event for any sport in Fontbonne's 27-year history. The players, coaches, and fans are thrilled to have this unique opportunity."
The Bears return four starters, nine letterman and more than 70 percent of the club's scoring and rebounding from their 13-19 overall season last year. Missouri State finished 8-10 in MVC action.
The rest of Fontbonne's non-conference schedule is on the road except for a Dec. 12th home game against Illinois Tech. In November the Griffins open at Morthland, follow with Missouri State and then games away at Maryville University and Augustana College before opening St. Louis Intercollegiate Athletic Conference play at Westminster College.
The team will open at home when they host MacMurray in a conference doubleheader on Saturday, Dec. 3rd before taking on neighbor Washington University on Dec. 6th. The Griffins will conclude non-conference play in Florida over the holiday break with games at Warner College and Webber International. Fontbonne's first home game of 2017 will be against Principia on Saturday, Jan. 7 at 3 p.m.
The Griffins lose top forward Jared Greenlee and point guard Richard Dorhauer to graduation, but return with eight seniors to lead this year's squad.