For the second consecutive year, Winthrop men\u2019s basketball will open its season as part of the Field of 68 Opening Day Marathon, facing Queens University on Monday at 9 a.m. at the Rock Hill Sports & Event Center.<\/p>\n
The Eagles and Royals meet for the second straight season in the event, with Winthrop looking to extend its six-game winning streak in the series. The Eagles defeated Queens 81-74 in last year\u2019s season opener and hold a 6-2 advantage in the all-time matchup.<\/p>\n
Winthrop enters the season following back-to-back 23-win campaigns and consecutive appearances in the Big South Conference championship game. The Eagles were picked to finish third in the conference preseason poll.<\/p>\n
Head coach Mark Prosser begins his sixth season at Winthrop with a 101-63 record. The Eagles return a roster featuring 11 newcomers, including four sophomore transfers, two junior transfers, four senior transfers and one freshman.<\/p>\n
Redshirt sophomore guard Spence Sims, a transfer from Gardner-Webb, earned a spot on the Big South Preseason All-Conference Second Team.<\/p>\n
Monday\u2019s contest marks the earliest season opener in program history. Winthrop is 31-18 all-time in season openers and has won five of its last seven.<\/p>\n