WASHINGTON – For the first time since Nov. 9, American University men's basketball will play in front of its own fans as the Eagles will face Saint Francis (PA) on Wednesday night at Bender Arena.
 
QUICK INFO 

• Date/Time: Wednesday, December 8, 7:00 p.m. 
• Site: Washington, D.C. (Bender Arena) 
• Ticket Info: AUEagles.com/Tickets
• Series History: AU leads, 13-9 
• 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. 

BENDER ARENA PARKING ADVISORY

• All those attending events at Bender Arena through January 14, with the exception of commencement on Dec. 18-19, should be prepared to use alternate parking on campus in the Katzen Arts Center on Massachusetts Avenue or the School of International Service (SIS) on Nebraska Avenue.
• The 5th through 7th (roof) levels of the Bender Arena Garage are currently blocked for all vehicular traffic due to repairs. These floors will not be accessible for pedestrian or vehicular traffic during the project.
• Parking in all general areas on campus is free after 5 p.m. and on weekends.
• Find a detailed campus map here.

INSIDE THE SERIES

• Saint Francis has won four of the last five meetings in this series that dates back to 1973.
• The Red Flash overcame a six-point deficit in the final three minutes to come away with a 79-76 win in the last meeting on Nov. 16, 2019 in Loretto, Pa.

WHAT TO KNOW ABOUT AMERICAN

• American has been on the road for eight straight games after opening the season at home against Marist on Nov. 9. The Eagles are 1-0 at Bender Arena this season and will be looking to get back in the win column for the first time since Nov. 12 against William & Mary. After going 2-0 to start the season, AU has dropped seven straight, including five losses of 22 points or more.
• A mix of injuries and growing pains for the young core has proved to be a tough recipe for success in the first month of the season. Valuable contributors Christian Lorng and Ben Lubarsky have yet to suit up this season, while seniors Connor Nelson and Josh Alexander have both missed games this season already. American has employed four different starting fives through nine games..
• Stacy Beckton Jr. is on milestone watch during his fifth season as an Eagle. He is 101 points away from becoming the 33rd player to reach 1,000 career points. After picking up three blocks against Stony Brook last week, he now has 88 career blocks. He is four swats away from moving into eighth place on AU's all-time career blocks list and 12 away from being the sixth Eagle with 100 career blocks.
• Matt Rogers was thrust into the starting lineup against UMBC (11/23) and has been really strong on the offensive end. He has scored in double-figures in four of his last five games, including a 30-point outburst against Howard on Saturday. He is shooting 65.1 percent from the field (41-of-63), which would be second in program history if it met the eligibility criteria (70 FG attempts).

WHAT TO KNOW ABOUT SAINT FRANCIS (PA)

• Saint Francis sits at 3-4 through the first month of the season and own wins over Patriot League foes, Bucknell and Lehigh. The Red Flash dominated the Bison last week by a score of 93-67 and topped the Mountain Hawks 79-68.
• The Red Flash were predicted eighth out of 10 schools in the NEC preseason poll.
• Head coach Rob Krimmel enters his 10th season at the helm of his alma mater and has led Saint Francis to the league postseason seven times in the last eight seasons. In the three of the last four campaigns, the Red Flash has advanced to the NEC Championship Game and participated in three postseason tournaments.
• St. Francis scores 79.1 points per game as a team, which leads the NEC. Ramiir Dixon-Conover is the heartbeat of the Red Flash, scoring 13.9 ppg. He also averages 4.3 apg and 2.2 spg.

TICKET INFO

• Tickets to this game and all remaining AU Men's Basketball home games are on sale now and can be purchased by clicking here.
• AU Athletics asks that you consider pre-purchasing digital tickets prior to arriving on campus. The ticket office is transitioning to contactless tickets so that we may offer the safest and most effective way to minimize contact upon entry.
• Digital tickets also give fans more control in the management of tickets including the ability to forward/share ticket(s) with friends and family. You may either present digital tickets on a smart phone device or download and pre-print ticket(s) at home with a valid QR code.
• Thank you for your help and cooperation in advancing contactless ticketing for the health and safety of our entire AU community.

HOLIDAY 3-PACK TICKET PLAN NOW AVAILABLE

• This holiday season treat yourself or give the gift of AU Hoops by purchasing AU Basketball's "Holiday 3-Pack" Ticket Mini-Plans! 
• Just $20 for women's, and $50 for men's basketball, you get a sideline ticket to any three women's or three men's home games of your choice this December or January.
• Wednesday's home game vs. St. Francis is eligible to be included as part of the Men's Basketball Holiday 3-Pack ticket purchase.
• Shopping for Eagle fans on your holiday list has never been easier. Purchase this money-saving, limited-time special offer now through Dec. 24 at AUeagles.com/Tickets!

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).