Men’s basketball finally starts this Saturday. The Eagles will host California Maritime Academy for the first game of the season. The season will be a busy one, with 30 games total. In December, the Eagles will look forward to six straight games on their home court of Chase Gymnasium.

Last season, the Eagles gained an impressive 29-6 record, including a trip to the NAIA quarterfinals under Coach Dave Holmquist. The beginning of their season will be extremely important, as the team hopes to return to the NAIA Championships for their third straight year.

The Eagles will head north to face Holy Names University on Nov. 3. The following week, Biola will host the University of Redlands at 7:30 on Wednesday Nov. 17.

The Golden State Athletic Conference will begin on Nov. 30, when Westmont College and Biola face off in Chase Gymnasium. Biola will play at Azusa Pacific University on Dec. 7, and host the Cougars on Feb. 1.

Eagles welcome new players this season

The Eagles welcome five new players — two of whom are transfer students from NCAA Division I schools. This will serve to strengthen the team as they attempt to return to the NAIA championships. Eight players return from last season, but two graduates, Marlon King and Rocky Hampton, who are now playing professionally in Europe, will be especially difficult to replace.

Furthermore, Coach Holmquist is expected to win his 800th win this season with the Eagles. This shouldn’t be hard for the team; he has gained an impressive 752-251 record in 30 seasons of coaching the Eagles, and is 788-294 in his college coaching career.