Tournament Schedule
*All Games Hosted at Elmira College's Speidel Gymnasium
 
Friday, November 20, 2015
Oswego State (1-0) vs. Mount Saint Mary College (1-0) – 6:00 p.m.
Elmira College (0-0) vs. Morrisville State (2-0) – 8:00 p.m.
Live Coverage | Twitter: @ECSoaringEagles | Game Notes
 
Saturday, November 21, 2015
Third-Place Game – 2:00 p.m.
Championship Game – 4:00 p.m.
Live Coverage | Twitter: @ECSoaringEagles | Game Notes
 
Information
Directions | Campus Map
 
Elmira, NY -- The Elmira College men's basketball is set to begin its 46^th varsity season this coming weekend when it hosts the Elmira College Tip-Off Tournament at Speidel Gymnasium on Friday, November 20^th, and Saturday, November 21^st. The Soaring Eagles will open the two-day tournament with the nightcap at 8:00 p.m. on Friday against Morrisville State. EC will face either Oswego State or Mount Saint Mary College the following afternoon pending the results on Friday.
 
Elusive Strong Starts
Over the past 10 seasons Elmira has had a tough time getting off to quick starts to the season. The Soaring Eagles are just 2-8 in season openers dating back to 2005-06; however, one of those two victories came in a thrilling 57-56 victory at Oswego State last season. Overall, Elmira is 19-25 in season openers with missing results from 1970-71 and 1972-73.
 
All-Time Series
Elmira has a little bit of history between the three programs who will be visiting Speidel Gymnasium this weekend. The Soaring Eagles have met Morrisville State once previously, falling to a nationally-ranked Mustang squad 81-75 in the opener of the 2013-14 season. EC boasts winning all-time records over the two potential opponents for Saturday's contest. The Purple and Gold won their only previous matchup against Mount Saint Mary College, a 95-70 victory during the 1988-89 season. The Soaring Eagles hold an 8-5 advantage against Oswego State, which includes last season's 57-56 win over the Lakers last season.
 
Strength in the Backcourt
The Soaring Eagles have a bevy of experience returning in the backcourt, which they will certainly look to for significant contributions this season. Gino Leonardi '16 and Justin Henderson '16 headline the group, as the program's top two returning scorers from 2014-15. Henderson enjoyed a breakout junior season, averaging 9.2 points per game and just over 26 minutes per contest. He was particularly lethal from distance, as he made 63 three-pointers and shot 44.4% from beyond the arc. Leonardi will bring a steady hand in running the offense from the point. He averaged 8.1 points per game, while he is the team's top returning assister, averaging 2.5 dimes per game in 2014-15.
 
Growth on the Wings
If Elmira is going to truly soar to new heights in 2015-16, the litany of athletes the team possesses on the wings will play a primary role. Head coach Randie Torgalski expects major growth in the games of Connor Bays '18 and Justin Ruback '18, who seem poised for breakouts after serving in more limited roles during their debut seasons. Hayden Harkins '18 is also a player to watch out for, as he showed an excellent ability to step away from the basket and knock down shots. He knocked down 43 three-pointers and shot 46.7% from distance last season, and will present matchup problems for opposing defenses at the forward position.
 
Scouting Morrisville State
The Mustangs are just two years removed from a 22-9 season, which witnessed them make a run to the Elite 8 of the NCAA Division III Tournament. Morrisville State experienced somewhat of a rebuilding year in 2014-15, posting an 11-14 mark, however, the team looks poised another run to the tournament this season. The Mustangs have gotten off to a fast start to the 2015-16, entering the weekend with a 2-0 record, with victories over Clarkson University and Utica College. In its last outing, Morrisvillle State shot the lights out, posting a 51.8% field goal percentage to sprint past the Pioneers 82-74. The strength of the Mustangs resides in the backcourt. Sophomore Trent Ward is averaging 18 points per game through two contests, while senior Joe Hulbert has averaged 13.5 per contest. Junior point man Qwuhail Barlow has been an excellent creator, averaging nine points and five assists per game.
 
Scouting Oswego State
The Lakers have been one of the most consistent programs in the country over recent years. They have posted at least 17 wins in each of the last five seasons, while they have qualified for the NCAA Tournament three times over the stretch. Oswego State is off to a strong start to 2015-16, upending St. Lawrence University 73-67 on the road in its season opener last Saturday. The Lakers were lights out from range, knocking down 11-of-22 shots from beyond the arc in the victory. Junior guard, Brian Sortino, poured in 25 points, making 4-of-7 from three-point range, while also adding four assists. Senior guard, Walter Sampson, went 7-of-9 from the field to add 19 points. Senior swingman, Alex Rawa, pulled down 11 rebounds and added six points in 40 minutes of action.
 
Scouting Mount Saint Mary College
Similar to Morrisville State, Mount Saint Mary College experienced a rebuilding season in 2014-15, but have been a consistent winner overall in recent seasons. Prior to last season's 7-18 mark, the Knights had averaged over 20 wins a year over the previous four campaigns. They are also off to a solid start to 2015-16, defeating SUNY New Paltz 70-63 in their home opener on Tuesday evening. Trailing by two at the break, Mount Saint Mary posted a strong second half, tallying 38 points after halftime to notch the comeback victory. Sophomore guard, Daniel Wolff, led the Knights with 16 points and added six boards in the opener. Senior guard, Stephen Steyer, chipped in 13 points and a team-high eight boards, while sophomore swingman, Gerard Nocera, also posted 13 points.
 
Up Next
Elmira will return to action on Tuesday evening when it continues its season-opening run at Speidel Gymnasium against Hilbert College. Opening tip is set for 7:00 p.m., as the game will be back-half of a doubleheader with the Elmira women, who will also take on the Hawks at 5:00 p.m.