Men’s and Women’s Basketball Take Court For First Practice of 2012

St. Louis, Mo., October 15, 2012 — The Washington University in St. Louis men’s and women’s basketball teams take the court for their first practice of the 2012-13 season on Monday, Oct. 15, at the WU Field House in St. Louis. The women practiced from 6-8 a.m. on Monday, while the men will take the court from 6-8 p.m.

Women’s basketball coach Nancy Fahey enters her 27th season on the Danforth Campus with a 617-112 (.846) overall record. The Bears return two starters and 15 letterwinners from last year’s team, which posted a 21-6 overall record and advanced to the second round of the NCAA Tournament. Washington U. is ranked No. 16 in the DIII News preseason top-25 poll, and picked second in the University Athletic Association (UAA).

Men’s basketball coach Mark Edwards returns 16 letterwinners and three starters from last year’s team that posted a 20-7 record and advanced to the second round of the NCAA Tournament. Edwards enters his 32nd season at his alma mater with a 562-258 (.686) overall record. The Bears are ranked No. 14 in the DIII News preseason top-25 poll, and picked to defend their UAA championship.

The women open regular season play by hosting the 12th Annual McWilliams Classic on Friday-Saturday, Nov. 16-17. Washington U. takes on Buena Vista University on Friday at 7 p.m., in its season opener.

The men begin the 2012-13 regular season at the University of Chicago on Saturday-Sunday, Nov. 17-18, against Trinity University (Texas) and Southwestern University. Washington U. and Trinity tip-off at 2 p.m., on Saturday in the season opener for both teams.