Stony Brook Men's Basketball Kicks Off 2024-25 Season at Marquette Challenge

Stony Brook men's basketball is set to begin their 2024-25 season at the Marquette Challenge, facing off against formidable opponents including Marquette, Central Michigan, and George Mason.

Stony Brook Men’s Basketball Kicks Off 2024-25 Season at Marquette Challenge

As the excitement of college basketball builds, the Stony Brook Seawolves are set to begin their 2024-25 season on the road against the Marquette Golden Eagles in the highly-anticipated Marquette Challenge on November 4. This round-robin tournament not only marks the start of a new season but also features competitive matchups against Central Michigan and George Mason.

Stony Brook Men’s Basketball Excitement builds for the new season!

New Challenges Await

The opening game against Marquette will be particularly significant as it will be the first time the Seawolves face off against this ranked team. Last season, Marquette had an impressive run, finishing with 27 wins and advancing to the Sweet 16 of the NCAA tournament, a feat they hadn’t achieved since the 2012-13 season. Under head coach Shaka Smart, who is entering his fourth year, Marquette brings back six of its top eight scorers from last year, promising a rigorous challenge for Stony Brook.

Following the matchup in Milwaukee, the Seawolves will head to Central Michigan on November 7 to face the Chippewas, another first for the program. Central Michigan is coming off a season that saw them far exceed expectations, finishing fourth in the Mid-American Conference after being predicted to place last. Head coach Tony Barbee has had a hand in the team’s resurgence, guiding them to twelve conference victories, the most since 2014-15.

History Meets Ambition

On November 11, Stony Brook will conclude its participation in the Marquette Challenge with a game against George Mason. This contest holds more historical weight as it marks only the second time the Seawolves will compete against the Patriots. The first matchup ended in a loss, but under the leadership of Geno Ford, who is now in his sixth season with Stony Brook, the team is determined to make a strong impression after a solid 20-win season last year, culminating in a run to the CAA Tournament final.

Stony Brook Action The Seawolves are ready to make their mark!

Spotlight on Coaches

Under Ford’s guidance, Stony Brook aims to build on last season’s achievements, where they showcased their potential by defeating No. 2 and No. 3 seeded teams in the CAA tournament before narrowly losing to the College of Charleston in overtime. Support for the program is bolstered by a dedicated staff that includes new additions who are eager to play a pivotal role in the team’s success.

George Mason’s head coach, Tony Skinn, is also entering his second season after leading the Patriots to 20 regular-season wins, marking a resurgence for the program. His leadership brought about significant improvement, resulting in a top-100 ranking for the first time since the 2010-11 season. The Patriots’ recent transfer class is ranked 57th nationally, further illustrating their commitment to climbing the ranks in collegiate basketball.

Looking Forward

As Stony Brook prepares to embark on this challenging journey, fans eagerly await the full non-conference schedule, which is set to be announced in the coming weeks. The matchups in the Marquette Challenge promise to be a thrilling start to what fans hope will be a memorable season.

The Marquette Challenge Schedule:

Monday, Nov. 4: Stony Brook at Marquette
Thursday, Nov. 7: Stony Brook at Central Michigan
Friday, Nov. 8: George Mason at Marquette
Monday, Nov. 11: Central Michigan at Marquette
Stony Brook at George Mason
Wednesday, Nov. 13: Central Michigan at George Mason

Team Spirit The Seawolves are gearing up for competition!

With the upcoming matchups, fans and players alike are filled with anticipation. For more updates on Stony Brook’s journey in men’s basketball, be sure to follow them on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.