Winthrop opens its season Monday against Queens in the Field of 68 Opening Day Marathon, marking the earliest season opener in program history. The Eagles are coming off back-to-back 23-win seasons and Big South title-game appearances, but will begin this year with 11 new players. They were picked to finish third in the conference preseason poll.

By the Numbers
  • Winthrop leads the series 6-2 and has won six straight against Queens.
  • The Eagles are 31-18 in season openers and have won five of the last seven.
  • Winthrop returns after two consecutive 23-win seasons and title-game appearances.
  • Eleven newcomers join the roster.
Yes, But

Winthrop’s recent success is balanced by a major roster reset: 11 newcomers, including 10 transfers, will need to integrate with the returning group. The Eagles’ six straight wins over Queens have also been close, with each decided by fewer than nine points.

What's Next

Winthrop hosts North Dakota on Saturday, Nov. 7, at noon for its home opener.

Bottom Line

The Eagles enter with strong recent results and a favorable matchup history, but their early-season test is how quickly a heavily reworked roster can come together.