ABOUT LEBANON VALLEY ...
For the first time in program history, Loras will face Lebanon Valley in their first game at the Land of Magic Classic in Daytona, Florida.

As members of the Commonwealth Conference, the Dutchmen enter Sunday's contest on a two-game winning streak and winners of four of their last five contests.

Lebanon Valley is led offensively by Kevin Agnew (24.3 ppg) and Andy Orr (18.4 ppg). The Duhawks will have to key in on both of these individuals if they hope to have a chance. Both Agnew and Orr average 30-plus minutes per game, with Agnew at an astonishing 38.6 minutes per game.

ABOUT OSWEGO STATE ...
Loras will conclude their winter trip to Florida on Sunday evening with a non-conference tilt against Oswego State. Similar to Lebanon Valley, the Duhawks have never faced the Lakers in program history.

Much like the Dutchmen, Oswego State enters the Land of Magic Classic on a three-game winning streak and are winners in four of their last five contests. They've started their conference season 2-0 with wins over Fredonia (63-62) and Buffalo State (98-71).

Brian Sortino paces the Laker offense, operating at a 16.6 points per game average in a 32.6 minute average.

THE RETURN OF A LEADER ...
After missing eight straight games, senior Nathaniel Smith is getting closer and closer each day to returning to the lineup. An upper-body injury suffered against Edgewood in the season-opener has kept Smith out of the lineup and forced head coach Greg Gorton to play without one of his senior leaders.

Smith is back in the gym working hard every day to return to the lineup and is aiming to be back for the beginning of conference play in January. His return will not only be an emotional spark for this Loras team, but his consistency on the court will aid in Loras' all-around play.

DUHAWKS SEARCHING FOR FIRST WIN IN DECEMBER ...
Arguably their toughest month schedule of the season, December has posed problems for the Duhawks. Kicking off the month on the road against Elmhurst before taking on rival UW-Platteville, the Duhawks seemed to have turned the tides at Illinois Wesleyan on Tuesday. Unfortunately despite season-high offensive performances by the team, the No. 9 Titans shot their way to the win to hand the Duhawks their third setback of the month. Loras looks to take advantage of Carroll's low scoring and repeat their shooting success from their trip to Bloomington, Illinois.
 
FLORIDA SUNSHINE ON THE HORIZON ...
Following the Duhawks game against Carroll, the team will take a short break for the holidays before traveling to Daytona, Florida to take part in the Land of Magic Classic. Loras will take on Lebanon Valley on December 28 before taking to Oswego State on December 29.

VANWAMBEKE FLOURISHING IN NEW ROLE ...
After coming off the bench in the season-opener at Edgewood College, sophomore Justin VanWambeke has stepped into a starter role and has been spectacular. The junior college transfer is averaging 17.3 points per game and is almost automatic from the free-throw line, converting 24-of-28.

GRCIC TIES SCHOOL RECORD ...
In the 2014-15 season opener, junior Mirko Grcic hauled in 26 rebounds, tying a Loras school record dating back to the 1954-55 season. That year, Al Carew collected 26 rebounds in a game against St. Norbert College.