CLINTON, Iowa - Ashford University men's basketball Head Coach Oliver Drake and his staff was pleased to announce the schedule for the upcoming 2010-11 season.

On the docket for the new campaign includes 12 home games in Kehl Arena, with the Saints' Midwest Collegiate Conference opener against St. Ambrose University set for Wednesday, Dec. 1.

The Saints are coming off one of the program's most successful seasons, fueled by a 20-win campaign and the most conference victories in school history with 10.

AU will face a familiar opponent in its regular-season opener, taking on another squad of Saints from the University of St. Francis on Wednesday, Nov. 3.

Ashford then travels to three November tournaments (Indiana Wesleyan Tournament, Clarke Classic, Judson Classic) in the early going, a lengthy road stretch that sets the stage for Ashford's home opener against Crossroads College (Minn.) on Nov. 16 at 7 p.m.

"Every time you play seven of your first eight games on the road it will present a challenge," Drake said. "This will be a time where our guys have to establish toughness and we'll have to do all the little things -- protecting the ball, rebounding and getting good shots."

Sandwiched in those tournaments include opponents like NAIA National Tournament quarterfinalist Indiana Wesleyan University, nationally ranked Briar Cliff University and reigning Chicagoland Collegiate Athletic Conference (CCAC) champion and NAIA qualifier Judson University.

But fielding a competitive schedule is nothing new to the Saints. Ashford took down the NAIA National Tournament runner-up Columbia College (Mo.) in an overtime thriller at the Culver-Stockton Classic and defeated Judson (Nov. 10) throughout the 2009-10 season.

"I'm feeling really comfortable with the transition (from Wartburg College to Ashford) and am very excited about the direction of the program," Drake added. "We're very excited about our recruiting class coming in and there are some really bright things ahead for the Ashford men's basketball program."

Make sure to check back to AshfordAthletics.com or follow via our Facebook/Twitter feeds for updated schedule information, including times and dates.

Click here to view the the Ashford men's basketball 2010-11 schedule.