Elon Men’s Basketball Hosts W&L on Friday Night

ELON, N.C. – The Elon University men’s basketball team opens the 2013-14 regular season at home on Friday night, Nov. 8, at 7:30 p.m. when the Phoenix welcomes the Washington & Lee Generals to Alumni Gym.

PRESEASON PROGNOSTICATIONS: Elon was predicted to finish first in both Southern Conference Preseason Polls this year. Lucas Troutman, Jack Isenbarger and Ryley Beaumont were named to the preseason all-conference team.

ELON VS. WASHINGTON & LEE: Friday night marks the eighth all-time meeting between the Phoenix and Generals in a series that dates back to the 1917-18 season. Washington & Lee leads the series, 5-2. The two teams last met during the 1984-85 season, as Elon came away with a 73-68 win. Washington & Lee won the first five meetings between the two schools until Elon captured a 29-25 decision during the 1937-38 season. Elon and W&L played an exhibition game on Nov. 3, 2011, inside Alumni Gym, as the Phoenix came away with a 96-48 win behind 20 points from Jack Isenbarger.

LOOKING BACK: Elon put five players in double figures in a 100-57 exhibition win over Lynchburg on Monday night, Nov. 4, in Alumni Gym. Tanner Samson led the way with 17 points, while Luke Eddy scored 15 in his debut. Austin Hamilton scored 14 points in his first game since sustaining a season-ending injury last season on Jan. 14. Ryley Beaumont and Lucas Troutman each scored 11.

LOOKING AHEAD: Following Friday night’s game, Elon makes a quick turnaround trip to Poughkeepsie, N.Y., to face Marist on Sunday, Nov. 10, at 5 p.m.

HOME OPENERS: Heading into tomorrow night’s game against Washington & Lee, Elon has won eight consecutive home openers. The Phoenix claimed a 95-51 win over Bridgewater in last year’s home opener. During the Division I era, Elon is 12-2 in home openers.

HOUSE OF HORRORS: Elon has sold out its last four games in Alumni Gym dating back to last season. The home crowd of 1,832 against Davidson on Feb. 27, 2013, last season marks the largest crowd in Alumni Gym under head coach Matt Matheny. In all, Elon has sold out Alumni Gym eight times during the Matheny era, going 6-2 in those contests.

HEAD COACH MATT MATHENY: Matt Matheny is in his fifth season as the Elon head men’s basketball coach. The 2013 Southern Conference Coach of the Year by the media, Matheny enters the 2013-14 season with an overall record of 59-68.

RETURNERS: Elon returns all five starters from last year’s squad in Lucas Troutman, Ryley Beaumont, Jack Isenbarger, Sebastian Koch and Austin Hamilton. In all, the maroon and gold returns 12 letterwinners from last year’s squad.

TROUTMAN NAMED TO PRESEASON ALL-AMERICAN TEAM: Lucas Troutman was named to the 2013 CollegeInsider.com Lou Henson Preseason All-American Team on Thursday, Oct. 3. The Lou Henson Award is presented annually to the top Mid-Major player in Division I college basketball.