WAYNESBURG, Pa. (Interstat) — Elmira and Waynesburg will meet Friday in a men’s NCAA Division III basketball game at Rudy Marisa Fieldhouse in Waynesburg, Pa. The Soaring Eagles are the visiting team, while the Yellow Jackets will have the home court. Both teams enter the matchup with 0-0 records. The contest gives both programs an early chance to set a tone for the schedule ahead.

Elmira’s most recent result was a 103-91 loss to Keuka. The Soaring Eagles will look to begin the new schedule with a more settled performance on both ends of the floor. Waynesburg’s most recent result was a 93-65 loss at Washington & Jefferson. The Yellow Jackets will aim to use their home surroundings to establish an early rhythm and improve on that result. Both teams will be focused on execution as they work through early-season rotations.

The meeting gives both programs an opportunity to evaluate lineups and establish an identity. Elmira will try to set the pace and create scoring chances against a Waynesburg team playing at home. Waynesburg will focus on controlling the glass, limiting second-chance opportunities and making Elmira work for shots in the half court. With both teams at 0-0, composure and ball security could shape the flow of the game. Each possession could carry added importance in a game that figures to test discipline and shot selection. The Soaring Eagles will seek productive possessions and a steady defensive effort. The Yellow Jackets will look to use the home setting to build momentum and maintain pressure on both ends.

Elmira’s upcoming schedule includes games against Otterbein, Cobleskill State, Hilbert, Alfred State, Penn St. Brandywine, Saint Elizabeth, Pennsylvania College, Hartwick, Utica and SUNY Polytechnic. Waynesburg’s next stretch includes Seton Hill, Marietta, Pittsburgh-Bradford, Pittsburgh-Greensburg, Washington & Jefferson, Chatham, Bethany (W.V.), Mount Aloysius, California (PA) and Allegheny. Those contests will give both teams a broad look at their early-season form and provide tests against a variety of opponents.

Rudy Marisa Fieldhouse will host the matchup, with Elmira traveling as the visiting side and Waynesburg playing at home. The Soaring Eagles will seek to open their schedule with a win, while the Yellow Jackets will try to defend their home court and start on a positive note. The game is set for Friday at Rudy Marisa Fieldhouse in Waynesburg, Pa. The matchup offers both sides a chance to begin the schedule with a strong performance.

Interstat’s game simulator projects a final score of Elmira 77, Waynesburg 73.