The Tiffin University men's basketball team announced their 2018-19 schedule, featuring eight non-conference games and 20 Great Midwest contests. Tiffin's season begins on November 9, and the regular season comes to a close against Davis & Elkins on March 2.
Tiffin begins the campaign with a tough test, taking on the GLVC's Maryville in the GMAC-GLVC Crossover Challenge. The Saints finished last season 20-8 overall and 12-6 in the GLVC. Maryville also toppled the Miami University RedHawks 84-80 in last season's opening exhibition. Tiffin then tangles with the University of Missouri-St. Louis the following day. The Tritons finished 14-13 overall last year.
Tiffin then hits the road to do battle with an old foe on November 16, locking horns with Grand Valley State. The Dragons will play their first home game on November 23, as Tiffin will host their own Thanksgiving Tournament. The Dragons will play Carlow University on the 23rd, and the opponent for the following day is yet to be determined.
Great Midwest play opens with the University of Findlay on November 29, as Tiffin will host the Oilers on that Thursday night. The Oilers had an outstanding season last year, finishing 28-5 overall and 19-1 in the GMAC. The Oilers lost in the NCAA Tournament to eventual national champion, Ferris State University.
December sees the Dragons play seven contests, including four home conference games. The Dragons will host Hillsdale on the 1st, Kentucky Wesleyan on the 6th, Trevecca Nazarene on the 8th, and Cedarville University on the 14th. Tiffin then flies south for a little winter warmth, taking on Embry-Riddle and Florida Tech in the Florida Tech Winter Classic on the 18th and 19th. The month ends with a tough customer, as Tiffin travels to West Liberty University on the 30th. The Hilltoppers finished last season 26-4 overall and 20-2 in the Mountain East. The Dragons play eight Great Midwest games in January, six in February, and then a single game in March.
The GMAC Tournament begins on Thursday, March 7. Findlay won the regular season crown last season, but were upset in the tournament. The Panthers of Ohio Dominican laid claim to the tournament title, defeating Hillsdale in convincing fashion, 71-53.
First-year head coach, Tom Church, is ready and excited to hit the hardwood, saying, "This is going to be an exciting season as we transition to the Great Midwest Athletic Conference. It's a highly competitive basketball conference and also gives us the opportunity to renew our rivalry with Findlay. As a staff we believe it's important to put together a non-conference schedule that prepares us for conference play and we feel that we've done that by playing institutions from the GLVC, GLIAC, Mountain East and also the Sunshine State Conference."
