The 2014-15 Wayland Baptist men's basketball season tips off at 7 p.m. Monday when coach
Matt Garnett's 21
st-ranked Pioneers take on the University of St. Thomas in Houston.
The Celtics, a member of the Red River Athletic Conference and ranked the equivalent of 32
nd in the NAIA, will be a tough opponent for the Pioneers, especially at their home. St. Thomas has lost just once in their home gym over the past two seasons, going 24-1.
The Celts were 20-11 last season, eliminated from the NAIA National Championships in the first round by seventh-ranked Emmanuel College (Ga.), 74-62. St. Thomas was 28-6 two seasons ago, also losing in the first round in what was their first national tournament appearance.
Wayland and St. Thomas have met only twice, with the Celts winning both meetings, the last time 63-54 two seasons ago in Plainview.
No live coverage of the season-opener is planned.
The Pioneers play their home-opener at 9 p.m. Friday against Barclay College (Kan.), to be followed by a 1 p.m. game Saturday against Barclay.
Friday's game will be part of a "Late Night at the Hutch" promotion on the heels of the WBU volleyball team's showdown against rival Oklahoma Baptist at 7 p.m. Check back for details.
Look for an in-depth look at the Pioneers later this week.
