Wednesday, February 27, 2013

Mohegan Sun to host Tip-Off Tournament November 23rd and 24th

Springfield, Mass. – The Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame announced today the field of teams and brackets for the 2013 Tip-Off Tournament. The annual NCAA men’s exempt tournament sponsored by the Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference will take place on Saturday, November 23 and Sunday, November 24 at the Mohegan Sun Arena in Uncasville, Connecticut highlighted by eight schools in two four-team brackets.

Teams scheduled to participate in this year’s Tip-Off tournament are: University of North Carolina (ACC), University of Louisville (Big East), University of Richmond (A10), Fairfield University (MAAC), Belmont University (Ohio Valley Conference), Hofstra University (CAA), Holy Cross (Patriot League) and University of Hartford (America East).

“Once again this year’s Tip-Off Tournament showcases some of the nation’s best college basketball programs,” said John L. Doleva, President and CEO of the Basketball Hall of Fame. “We are excited to host the tournament again at the Mohegan Sun, and we are looking forward to seeing the great match-ups in November.”

The Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference will once again serve as the host conference for the annual event.  The MAAC will host the men’s and women’s basketball championships at the MassMutual Center in Springfield, MA this March and has developed a strong partnership with the Basketball Hall of Fame, including the opening of a MAAC exhibit in the Hall of Fame museum.

Tickets for the 2013 Basketball Hall of Fame Tip-Off at Mohegan Sun Arena will go on sale in the near future.  For more information on the event, log on to www.halloffametipoff.com.

Springfield Bracket
Belmont University
University of Hartford
Hofstra University
Holy Cross

Naismith Bracket
Fairfield University
University of Louisville
University of North Carolina
University of Richmond

Tip-Off Tournament Schedule

Campus Round Schedule
November 11 – Belmont University at University of Richmond        

November 12 – Hofstra University at University of Louisville

November 13 – University of Hartford at Fairfield University

November 15 – Holy Cross at University of North Carolina

November 17 – Belmont University at University of North Carolina

November 19 – University of Hartford at University of Louisville
                       Hofstra University at University of Richmond

November 20 – Holy Cross at Fairfield University

Saturday November 23 at Mohegan Sun Arena, Uncasville, CT (Game Times TBA)

Naismith Bracket -
University of Richmond vs. University of North Carolina
Fairfield University vs. University of Louisville

Springfield Bracket –
University of Hartford vs. Hofstra University
Holy Cross vs. Belmont University

Sunday November 24 at Mohegan Sun Arena, Uncasville, CT (Game Times TBA)

Consolation and Championship Rounds Springfield and Naismith Brackets

For more information on the Hall of Fame Tip-Off, ticket packages, hospitality packages for the weekend games and campus site schedule, log onto www.halloffametipoff.com

HEAD COACH COMMENTS:

Rick Byrd, Belmont University

“We appreciate being invited to participate in the 2013 Hall of Fame Tip Off, and our entire program looks forward to exciting competition and lifetime memories. We are grateful to take part in one of the premier events in college basketball – one linked to the history of the game.”

Sydney Johnson, Fairfield University

“We are happy to play in a prestigious tournament like the Hall of Fame Tip Off,” Head Coach Sydney Johnson said. “Our current players, recruits and coaches are excited to continue playing a challenging non-conference schedule every season. We are proud to a be part of this tournament and welcome the opportunity to compete against some of the top teams in the nation.”

Mo Cassara, Hofstra University

“Hofstra University is very excited to take part in the 2013 Hall of Fame Tip Off. This prestigious event is one that will highlight our 2013-14 schedule and we are proud to be competing against other quality opponents. We would like to thank the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame and Mohegan Sun for hosting this wonderful event.”

Milan Brown, Holy Cross

“We look forward to participating in the Hall of Fame Tip-Off tournament next year. A number of top teams from around the country will be taking part in this event, and we always like to challenge ourselves against tough competition.”

John Gallagher, University of Hartford

"It is an honor to be invited to participate in such a prestigious tournament. As our program continues to grow, this provides us with the opportunity to go up against some of the best competition and some of the most respected programs in the country. I look forward to representing the University of Hartford in the Hall of Fame Classic next year."

Rick Pitino, University of Louisville

“We are excited to play in this impressive tournament which features such a highly competitive field. I’m sure that this prestigious event, which brings attention to our sport’s history and iconic figures, will give our team a significant early test against quality competition.”

Roy Williams, University of North Carolina

“We are excited to be playing in the tournament as it allows us to play four games, including two here in Chapel Hill and two more in Connecticut, it gives us an opportunity to play in a new event for North Carolina and it honors the legacy of the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame. I’ve heard many good things about the event and am looking forward to our team competing in the Hall of Fame Tournament.”

Chris Mooney, University of Richmond

"We are looking forward to participating in the 2013 Hall of Fame Tip Off, one of the premier tournaments of the college basketball season. We are very excited about being a part of a tournament associated with the Basketball Hall of Fame and featuring such storied programs."

About the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame:
Located in Springfield, Massachusetts, the Birthplace of Basketball, the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame promotes and preserves the game of basketball at every level – professional, collegiate, men and women.

For more information:
Visit us on the web: www.hoophall.com
… on Facebook: www.facebook.com/BBHOF
… on Twitter: @hoophall
… or call 1-877-4-HOOPLA

About Mohegan Sun:
Mohegan Sun, owned by the Mohegan Tribe, is one of the largest, most distinctive and spectacular entertainment, gaming and shopping destinations in the United States.  Situated on 240 acres along the Thames River in scenic southeastern Connecticut, Mohegan Sun is within easy access of New York, Boston, Hartford and Providence and located 15 minutes from the museums, antique shops and waterfront of Mystic Country.  More information is available by calling 1.888.226.7711 or visiting mohegansun.com.  Connect with us on facebook.com/mohegansun, follow us on twitter.com/mohegansun and view us on youtube.com/mohegansunvideos.

About the Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference:
The MAAC, headquartered in Edison, N.J., consists of 10 member institutions: Canisius College, Fairfield University, Iona College, Loyola University Maryland, Manhattan College, Marist College, Niagara University, Rider University, Saint Peter's College and Siena College. For more on the conference, please visit www.maacsports.com.