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“Home is the place where, when you have to go there, they have to take you in. Where we love is home – home that our feet may leave, but not our hearts.”
– Oliver Wendell Holmes, Sr.
For many coming home to Winthrop University this weekend, celebrations will be in effect. Friends will embrace after years away. Alumni will gather and retell memories from their time on campus. Reunions will be held for classes ending in a “5” or a “0.” But most importantly, basketball will be played, a timeless tradition like no other that has become the cornerstone of Homecoming Week at Winthrop University.
This year’s main event will feature a men’s/women’s basketball doubleheader that will kick-off at 2 PM.
The men will welcome the Mercer Bears (Southern Conference, 2-1) for the lead game at 2 PM. The women will square-off against cross-metro rival Queens University (Atlantic Sun, 2-1) at 4:30 PM.
The Appetizer: Winthrop vs. Mercer
To begin the 2025-26 home stand of games, the men’s basketball team will play host to the Mercer Bears for the second time in as many seasons.
Winthrop currently leads the all-time series 3-2 including three straight wins at the Coliseum.
The last matchup between the two programs occurred last year when Winthrop won 102-97 in a nail-biting, high-scoring affair.
Coming off back-to-back 6-point losses, the Eagles are looking to rebound and feast on a Mercer team that has won two straight games.
This time, the Eagles are looking at slamming the door on the Bears.
Probable Starters
Isaiah Wilson, G – Wilson’s numbers don’t do him enough justice. The senior guard has played solid this season even despite low averages. He has proven himself to be a team player, averaging 2.7 assists per game and 1.7 steals per game.
Kareem “Free Money” Rozier, G – Rozier didn’t earn the “Free Money” moniker for nothing. The senior transfer from Duquesne has averaged 11.0 points per game and has had back-to-back games in double-figures. Kareem is also shooting 83.3% from the charity stripe, proving he can be lethal in tight games. He is also sitting four threes away from 100 in his career and five steals away from 100.
Daylen Berry, G – The former CSU Buc has might be the best player on the team so far this season, averaging 20.0 points per game and 6.7 rebounds per game. He has had two 20+ point games so far this season, only having played three total games. Statistically and physically, Berry is absolutely lethal on the floor, possessing the power of a forward while shooting like a guard.
Kody Clouet, F – The graduate student from San Diego has played consistent enough this year to continue to start for the Eagles. Clouet has averaged 8.3 points per game and 2.7 rebounds per game. He is shifty on the court and has found mild success on the perimeter, connecting on three triples in each of his first two games.
Logan Duncomb, C – Oh, Logan, where do I start? The former 4-star product has absolutely blossomed this year, filling the shoes that Kelton Talford left behind. Duncomb is averaging 16.3 points per game and 7.3 boards on top of that. He currently leads all Big South players with 30 free throw attempts, making 21 of them.
Stats to Know: Mark Prosser’s team will need to control the tempo of the game if they want to make a statement. The Eagles average 76.2 possessions per game. Winthrop needs to crash the glass more as well, only averaging 32.7 rebounds as compared to 44.7 rebounds from their opponents. If they do this, a win is very much achievable, especially considering Mercer only averages 71.7 possessions per game.
Prediction: Winthrop 98 – Mercer 83
The Entree: Winthrop vs. Queens
In the second part of the double-header, the Lady Eagles will play host to the Queens Royals.
Last season, Winthrop held off Queens at Myers Park 69-52.
Although they sit at a 1-2 record, Coach Semeka Randall Lay’s team has faced two outstanding teams in Chicago State and Marquette.
Now, the Eagles are looking to capitalize on a 74-37 win over Newberry College and move to 2-2 on the season.
Predicted Starters
Amourie Porter, G/F – Porter has been stunning so far this year. She is shooting 50% and averaging 14.0 points, 8.3 rebounds, and 3.7 assists. The junior from Maryland is also averaging 59% from the charity stripe.
Madison Ruff, G – Ruff is off to a pretty nice start this year, averaging 10 points, 3.7 rebounds, and 1.3 assists per game. She has as many fouls as she has turnovers (9) on the year, showcasing her ball-control.
Mya Pierfax, G – Pierfax is statistically killing it right now, averaging 12 points, 2 assists, and 1.0 rebounds per game. She has only fouled four times and turned the ball over 7 times. She also is shooting 100% from the line, something most players can’t say they are doing.
Cori Lard, G – The transfer from Miami Ohio has been a solid player this year, averaging 6.0 points, 2.3 assists, and 3.0 rebounds. She averages a foul per game making her stealthy on the court. This can also be reflected in her 7 steals this season.
Naomi Wilson, F – While her offensive play doesn’t stand out, her presence in the paint does. The junior from Australia is averaging 6.3 rebounds per game, with 15 of her 19 boards being on the defensive end. The season is still fresh and Wilson is looking like a force to be reckoned with in the post.
Stat to Know: Coach Meek’s team is averaging 35.7 boards per game and if they continue to fight on the glass and find success, they will win. Queens is a team who averages 46 rebounds per game. If you box out, you win.
Prediction: Winthrop 67 – Queens 59
Final Word
While the festivities this weekend bring the community and the University together, the basketball doubleheader will look to do the same.
If you are in Rock Hill for Homecoming, whether as a student, alumnus, or fan, enjoy your time. This is one of the most unique events in all of Winthrop’s calendar, so much so that parking usually sells out. So party, say hey to some friends you haven’t seen in a while, and sit back and watch tradition unfold.
Home is Winthrop University.
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