VIENNA, WV --- The OVU Athletic Department has signed a contract to play in the nation’s premier season-opening college basketball tournament - 2K Sports College Hoops Classic benefiting Coaches vs. Cancer this November.
The event tips off the college basketball season as 16 teams from 16 conferences compete at four sites across the country. Connecticut, Kentucky, Memphis, and Oklahoma will serve as the four regional hosts for the 2K Sports College Hoops Classic, and winners advance for the chance to compete in the championship rounds at Madison Square Garden in New York City.
Coaches vs. Cancer is a nationwide collaboration between the American Cancer Society and the National Association of Basketball Coaches. The initiative leverages the personal experiences, community leadership, and professional excellence of basketball coaches nationwide to increase cancer awareness and promote healthy living through year-round awareness efforts, fundraising activities and advocacy programs. Coaches vs. Cancer provides critical mission outreach, while raising funds in support of the Society’s lifesaving cancer research, education, advocacy, and community service. Since 1996, the Event has raised approximately $3.3 million for the benefit of Coaches vs. Cancer.
“This is a tremendous opportunity and a major milestone for the Ohio Valley University Athletic program and our men’s basketball program,” OVU Athletic Director Ron Pavan said. “We are also privileged to serve an important role in helping support the fight against cancer.”
“We are extremely honored to participate in this classic event and help support this worthy cause,” OVU Head Men’s Basketball Coach Bill McGee said. “This is a tournament made up of high-powered basketball programs playing for a great cause. I lost both of my parents to cancer and it is events such as this that help to fight the enormous battel that gets me excited. You can't imagine how special this opportunity is to me. We also look forward to representing the West Virginia Intercollegiate Conference in this national event."
Regional action will take place Nov. 5-9, with the winner of each Regional Round advancing to the Championship Rounds, Nov. 15-16, at Madison Square Garden in New York City. A total of ten games will be nationally televised on the ESPN family of networks. ESPN2 will televise both Championship Round doubleheaders at Madison Square Garden on November 15th and 16th. ESPNU will televise two Memphis Regional games, two Lexington Regional games, and two games of the Storrs Regional. (For a full view of participating teams, times and dates visit www.gazellegroup.com/cvcclassic/index.html )
Last year, Maryland defeated Michigan State, 62-60, in the 2006 championship game. Additionally, three of the last six NCAA Tournament champions have begun their seasons at The Classic, including Maryland (2001-02), Syracuse (2003-04) and Florida (2004-05).
2K Sports will be the title sponsor of the event for the third consecutive year. 2K Sports develops and publishes the popular and highly acclaimed 2K series of sports video games including the "College Hoops 2K" series.
TICKET INFORMATION:
Championship Round tickets at Madison Square Garden are now on sale and may be purchased by calling Ticketmaster at 212.307.7171 or through Ticketmaster.com. For VIP ticket packages, contact Jason Poppe at 609.921.1300 or jpoppe@gazellegroup.com.
Tickets also may be purchased through the host schools’ box offices.
Connecticut: uconnhuskies.com
Kentucky: ukathletics.com or 800.928.2287
Memphis: gotigersgo.com or 888.867.8636
Oklahoma: soonersports.com or 800.456.4668
The 2K Sports College Hoops Classic benefiting Coaches vs. Cancer is produced by The Gazelle Group in Princeton, N.J. Gazelle produces numerous nationally-recognized events, such as the O’Reilly Auto Parts CBE Classic and the Legends Classic.
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