WASHINGTON – The American University men's basketball team tips off its 2021-22 season on Tuesday night at Bender Arena as the Eagles face off against Marist.
 
QUICK INFO 

• Date/Time: Tuesday, November 9, 8:00 p.m. 
• Site: Washington, D.C. (Bender Arena) 
• Ticket Info: AUEagles.com/Tickets
• Series History: Marist leads, 2-1 
• TV: ESPN+
• Talent: Dan Laing (pxp) and Jimmy Patsos (color)

PROOF OF VACCINATION REQUIRED FOR ENTRY INTO BENDER ARENA

• In the interest of public health and in accordance with American University's commitment to maintaining a vaccinated community on campus, AU Athletics will require proof of vaccination for all spectators 12 and older when attending sporting events inside Bender Arena.
• This policy is effective October 21, 2021. Proof of vaccination can be achieved by showing one's vaccine card, a photo of one's card or a digital vaccine record.
• Due to AU's requirement that current students and faculty/staff be vaccinated, those with a current AU ID will not need to show further proof of vaccination.
• Read the full policy HERE.

MASK POLICY AT AU ATHLETICS EVENTS 

• Individuals are required to wear masks to all American University athletics indoor AND outdoor events, per current AU guidelines.  
• We also encourage social distancing at all of our venues. 

INSIDE THE SERIES

• This will be the fourth time that American and Marist face off on the hardwood.
• The Eagles won the first game in the series, a neutral-site matchup on Dec. 10, 1982 that saw AU win 80-62. The Red Foxes came away on top in the next two meetings.

WHAT TO KNOW ABOUT AMERICAN

• Johnny O'Neil returns for his sophomore campaign after being the first Eagle to be named Patriot League Rookie of the Year since 2016. The 6-9 forward averaged 9.6 points and 6.0 rebounds per game, shooting 39 percent from beyond the arc. Defensively, he ranked third in the Patriot League by averaging 1.5 blocks per game. He is expected to be a force on both ends of the floor.
• Returning for fifth years are Stacy Beckton Jr. and Marvin Bragg. Beckton Jr. was named Patriot League All-Defensive Team for the second year in a row last season. The 2020 Third Team All-Patriot League honoree took the next step offensively, ranking fourth in the PL in 3-point field goal percentage (.452) and putting up 13.1 points per game. He'll look to continue that progression in 2021-22.
• Despite not being on campus last season after opting out, Bragg has stepped up early this season as the vocal leader. On the court, the 6-6 guard is known as a lockdown defender that can also shoot the three. He projects to be a key rotation player for the Eagles.
• Connor Nelson struggled shooting the ball last season (.310 FG, .259 3FG), but still made a tremendous impact on the team. The Academic All-Patriot League honoree led the conference in steals per game with 2.3 and led the team in rebounds per game with 6.1.
• Colin Smalls picked up an injury minutes into the season last year and didn't round into form until late February. The Upper Marlboro, Md., product should step into the lead guard role filled by Jamir Harris, Sa'eed Nelson and PeeWee Gardner over Coach Brennan's tenure and appears poised for the challenge.

WHAT TO KNOW ABOUT MARIST

• Marist finished the 2020-21 campaign fourth in the MAAC standings, their best conference finish in 14 years. In the 2021-22 preseason poll, the Red Foxes were predicted third in the MAAC, their highest preseason projection in 15 years.
• Ricardo Wright was named Third Team Preseason All-MAAC after being named to the All-Rookie Team last season. He led Marist with 11 points per game a season ago.
• John Dunn enters his fourth season at the helm of Marist in 2021-22 after previously spending 12 seasons as the head coach at Saint Peter's. Last year's 12-9 mark was the first winning season for Marist since 2007-08.

TICKET INFO

• Show your support for the return of the AU Men's and Women's Basketball teams by purchasing your tickets to the games you want to see this season in Bender Arena. Tickets are easily shareable via e-mail or text to colleagues, family and friends with just a few clicks from your mobile device. Click here for complete details.
• Season tickets are still available for purchase starting at just $80 for adults & $50 for youth (17 and under) and seniors (65+). Call 202.885.TIXX to reserve your premium location center court seats.
• Secure your seats for AU Men's Basketball opening night and to four other games of your choice! "Starting Five" mini-plan holders receive sideline-reserved tickets in Sections 101-102 or 105-106 for five games at the low price of $85. Click here to purchase by November 9th.
• Secure your sideline reserved tickets in Sections 101-102 or 105-106 to ALL FIVE weekend home games this season for just $85. Purchase now at AUeagles.com/tickets to reserve your Men's Basketball "Bender Weekender" Ticket Mini-Plan today!

ENHANCED BENDER ARENA CONCESSIONS FOR 2021-22 HOME GAMES

• AU Athletics has partnered with Gregorio's Trattoria to provide an enhanced concessions menu for all home basketball games this 2021-22 season in Bender Arena.
• Fans can enjoy Gregorio's favorites including menu selections of pizza, Italian sausage and peppers, hot and cold sub sandwiches and wraps, chicken fingers, hot dogs, chips and more, as well as a full selection of refreshing Pepsi products. 
• Credit cards and cash accepted. 
• No outside food or beverages permitted into Bender Arena.

HOW TO WATCH ESPN+ 

• A subscription to ESPN+ is available for purchase via ESPN.com, ESPNPlus.com, or the ESPN App. Fans can access ESPN+ content only after they have subscribed. To subscribe, click here. It costs $6.99/month or $69.99/year. 

KEEP UP WITH US

• For the latest on American University Men's Basketball, stay tuned to AUEagles.com and follow the team on Twitter (@AU_MBasketball), Facebook (/AU.MBasketball) and Instagram (@AU_MBasketball).