Adrian, Mich. – The Siena Heights University men's basketball team is set to begin the 2018-19 season at home against the Bethel Pilots on Saturday, October 27. The Saints come into the year after a 12-17 record and a 7-13 record in the Wolverine Hoosier Athletic Conference.
This Saturday will be the second meeting between the Saints and the Pilots. Their first meeting took place in the 1989-90 season where the SHU won the game by a score of 94-86. Bethel is coming into the 2018-19 season after a 22-10 overall record and an 11-7 record in the Crossroads League.
SHU returns seven players who saw action in the 2017-2018 season. One of the Saints key returners is senior Josh Winowiecki (Warren, Mich.) who appeared in 27 games and started in 16. Winowiecki averaged 7.9 points per game and an average of 5 rebounds a game.
Kevin Smith II (Columbus, Ohio) and Keith Jordan Jr. (Toledo, Ohio) will also be returning on the court after solid playing time from last season.
Bethel is ranked 23rd in the NAIA preseason poll. The Pilots have been ranked in 66 consecutive polls which is the second largest active streak in the NAIA. Pilot's Paul Forman earned preseason second team for the Crossroads League. Last season Forman averaged 12.8 points per game and an average of 6.0 rebounds a game. Bethel led the Crossroads League in field goal percentage defense and total rebounds.
The Saints and Pilots are scheduled to tip-off on Saturday, September 27 at 5:00 p.m. EST
