Oct. 11, 2005

Stony Brook, N.Y. - The Stony Brook University 2005-06 men's basketball schedule will be the toughest in school history, featuring four Big East teams, ACC newcomer Boston College and five teams that advanced to the 2004 NCAA Division I Men's Basketball Tournament, first-year head coach Steve Pikiell announced. The 27-game slate showcases 16 America East Conference matchups, 11 non-conference games and four teams ranked in the Street & Smith Preseason Top 15, including Connecticut, Villanova, Boston College and George Washington.

"We are looking forward to playing an aggressive and exciting schedule to help put Stony Brook on the national map," said Pikiell. "Our players are looking forward to the challenge of playing some of the best teams in the country to help us get ready for conference play." The Seawolves return three starters from the 2004-05 squad, including America East All-Rookie selection Antwan Hardy who led the team in scoring last season.

The Seawolves begin the season with eight of their first 10 games on the road, beginning November 18 at Villanova as they open the season versus a team that advanced to the Sweet Sixteen last season. After a visit to Lehigh (Nov. 22), Stony Brook hosts Columbia (Nov. 26) in the home opener before hitting the road for five of their next six games. The road swing is highlighted with road matchups at St. John's (Dec. 7) and defending regular season Big East co-champion, Connecticut, coach Pikell's alma mater (Dec. 28). During that stretch, the Seawolves will also take on Hofstra (Dec. 14) and Wagner (Dec. 30). In-state rival Albany will visit Stony Brook on December 23.

Coach Pikiell revisits some familiar territory when he returns to the sideline at defending Atlantic-10 champion George Washington (Jan. 16) where he was an associate head coach for a program that he helped to the conference title and a Top 25 national ranking. Stony Brook will wrap up non-conference action at last year's other Big East co-champion Boston College (Feb. 13).

Stony Brook rings in the new year against Colgate (Jan. 2), before returning to conference play at home versus three-time America East title winner Vermont on January 5. Following a road matchup at Binghamton (Jan. 8), the Seawolves host New Hampshire (Jan. 14) and Boston University (Jan. 19). The team then plays seven of the next nine games away from the Sports Complex before returning home for their final two games to close the regular season against Hartford (Feb. 23) and Maine (Feb. 26).

The America East tournament opens with a first round game at Binghamton University on March 3. Quarterfinal and semifinal matchups will take place over the weekend to be followed by the championship game at the highest remaining seed on March 11.

Tickets for the 2005-06 season will go on sale October 19 and can be purchased at the Stony Brook box office or on the web at www.goseawolves.org. Phone orders can be placed by calling 631-632-WOLF.

2005-06 Regular Season Schedule
Nov. 18 at Villanova - 7:30 p.m.
Nov. 22 at Lehigh - 7:00 p.m.
Nov. 26 Columbia - 1:00 p.m.
Dec. 7 at St. John's - 7:30 p.m
Dec. 10 at UMBC - 7:00 p.m.
Dec. 14 at Hofstra - 7:00 p.m.
Dec. 23 Albany - 7:00 p.m.
Dec. 28 at Connecticut - 7:00 p.m.
Dec. 30 at Wagner - 7:00 p.m.
Jan. 2 Colgate - 7:00 p.m.
Jan. 5 Vermont - 7:00 p.m.
Jan. 8 at Binghamton - 1:00 p.m.
Jan. 10 at Dartmouth - 7:00 p.m.
Jan. 14 New Hampshire - 1:00 p.m.
Jan. 16 at George Washington - 7:00 p.m.
Jan. 19 Boston University - 7:00 p.m.
Jan. 22 at Hartford - 2:00 p.m.
Jan. 25 at Maine - 7:30 p.m.
Jan. 28 UMBC - 1:00 p.m.
Feb. 1 at Albany - 7:00 p.m.
Feb. 8 at Vermont - 7:00 p.m.
Feb. 11 Binghamton - 7:00 p.m.
Feb. 13 at Boston College - 7:00 p.m.
Feb. 15 at New Hampshire - 7:00 p.m.
Feb. 19 at Boston University - 1:00 p.m.
Feb. 23 Hartford - 7:00 p.m.
Feb. 26 Maine - 1:00 p.m.