AUSTIN, Texas—Saturday, November 15 marks the season opener for the Tornado Men's Basketball program at Concordia University Texas. The game will be held in the University's new Field House at 7:30 p.m. against Austin-area rival Huston-Tillotson University. 

The opening game is sponsored by Pluckers and 200 rally towels will be given out to game attendees to help cheer on the Tornados. Tickets are $5 for adults, $3 for students and free for Concordia faculty, staff and students.

The Concordia Student Athlete Advisory Committee will kick off the evening at 5:30 p.m. with a tailgate offering free Pluckers wings. The gym opens to the public at 6:30 p.m.

The Tornados Men's Basketball team has recently been selected as the pre-season number two team in the West Division of the American Southwest Conference polls. The Tornados have added several new players to their roster with the core of the team staying in tact with players Joel McDonald, Brad Walker, Mike Mann, Reza Farahani and Quinton Black all returning this season.

“Our Men's Basketball team is an integral part of Concordia's athletics program and this season we're looking forward to continuing that tradition,” Stan Bonewitz, Tornado Men's Basketball head coach, said. “We're excited to kick off our season at the new campus in a wonderful new facility.”

The 2008 to 2009 season marks Head Coach Stan Bonewitz's fifth year at the helm of the Tornado Men's Basketball program. During the 2007 to 2008 season Bonewitz led the Tornados to a 19 and 9 record, dropping their final game in the Championship game of the American Southwest Conference Tournament to rival Mary Hardin Baylor. 

Last season Concordia triumphed over Huston-Tillotson University with an 84 to 81 win followed by an 86 to 84 overtime win. The next game for the Tornado Men's Basketball team will be held on Friday, November 21 at 7 p.m. against St. Edward's University.