Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame Announces 2017 Tip-Off Tournament Schedule

SPRINGFIELD, MA – The Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame announced today the field of teams and brackets for the 2017 Tip-Off Tournament. The annual NCAA men’s exempt tournament sponsored by the Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference will take place Saturday, November 18 and Sunday, November 19 at Mohegan Sun Arena in Uncasville, Connecticut. Eight schools will compete in two four-team brackets with campus round games leading up to the Mohegan Sun Arena contests.

Teams scheduled to participate in this year’s Tip-Off Tournament are: Boston College (Atlantic Coast Conference), La Salle University (Atlantic 10), University of Maine (America East), Northwestern University (Big Ten), Sacred Heart University (Northeast), Saint Peter’s University (Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference), University of South Alabama (Sun Belt) and Texas Tech University (Big 12).

“The Hall of Fame Tip-Off Tournament at Mohegan Sun saw record attendance last year and has become one of the most competitive collegiate events in the early season,” said John L. Doleva, President and CEO of the Basketball Hall of Fame. “Mohegan Sun is a beautiful venue and we look forward to hosting this year’s teams and loyal fans.”

The Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference will continue to serve as the host conference for the annual event. The MAAC has developed a strong partnership with the Basketball Hall of Fame, including the addition of a MAAC exhibit in the Hall of Fame museum in Springfield, Massachusetts.

General public tickets will go on sale Friday, September 8 at 10am ET via all Ticketmaster outlets and the Mohegan Sun Arena box office. Pre-sales for participating schools begin Thursday, June 1. Broadcast information and game times will be announced at later date. For more information, please visit www.halloffametipoff.com.

Naismith Bracket

Boston College

La Salle University

Northwestern University

Texas Tech University

Springfield Bracket

University of Maine

Sacred Heart University

Saint Peter’s University

University of South Alabama

Basketball Hall of Fame Tip-Off Tournament Schedule

Campus Round Schedule

November 10

University of Maine @ Boston College

University of South Alabama @ Texas Tech

November 11

Saint Peter’s University @ La Salle University

November 13

Saint Peter’s University @ Northwestern University

November 14

University of Maine @ Texas Tech

Sacred Heart University @ Boston College

November 16

University of South Alabama @ La Salle University

November 24

Sacred Heart University @ Northwestern University

Saturday, November 18 at Mohegan Sun Arena, Uncasville, CT

Naismith Bracket

Texas Tech University vs. Boston College

La Salle University vs. Northwestern University

Springfield Bracket

Sacred Heart University vs. Saint Peter’s University

University of South Alabama vs. University of Maine

Sunday, November 19 at Mohegan Sun Arena, Uncasville, CT

Naismith Bracket

Consolation Game

Championship Game

Springfield Bracket

Consolation Game

Championship Game

Quotes from Participating Head Coaches

"We are excited to return to Mohegan Sun Arena for the 2017 Basketball Hall of Fame Tip-Off Tournament. The Basketball Hall of Fame and Mohegan Sun are tremendous hosts and we look forward to returning in November to take part in what will be a fantastic event." - Jim Christian, Boston College

"First and foremost, the Basketball Hall of Fame Tip-Off Tournament gives us access to outstanding opponents. Secondly, every coach who has participated in the past that I have spoken with was extremely pleased with the people, the organization and facilities involved. Lastly, I'm sure our fans will enjoy Mohegan Sun, making it a great event for all." - John Giannini, La Salle University

"The Basketball Hall of Fame Tip-Off Tournament event provides great competition, a terrific venue at Mohegan Sun and a first-class environment throughout the tournament. We are really looking forward to being a part of it." - Bob Walsh, University of Maine

“Our program is thrilled to have the chance to participate in a tournament with as rich of a history as the Basketball Hall of Fame Tip-Off Tournament. It’s always exciting anytime you have the opportunity to play for a championship and we look forward to challenging ourselves early in the season.” - Chris Collins, Northwestern University

"We are thrilled to be participating in the Basketball Hall of Fame Tip-Off Tournament against some terrific programs in a world class venue.  The Basketball Hall of Fame is a symbol of excellence for the game of basketball and we feel very fortunate to be appearing in a first-class event associated with this prestigious organization.” - Anthony Latina, Sacred Heart University  

"I look forward to the opportunity for our team to compete in the Basketball Hall of Fame Tip-Off Tournament. Getting to face quality opponents at campus sites like LaSalle and Northwestern is an exciting challenge. Playing against a team that qualified and advanced in the NCAA tournament last season will be an excellent early test. The Springfield Bracket at Mohegan Sun will give us competition against other tough Mid-Major programs in tournament play." - John Dunne, Saint Peter's University

"We are extremely excited to be participating in the Basketball Hall of Fame Tip-Off Tournament next season, as it will provide an excellent opportunity for our team to play great competition in an excellent venue. It will also allow our team to experience a completely different part of the country." - Matthew Graves, University of South Alabama

"Our program is looking forward to competing in the Hall of Fame Tip-Off Tournament and in front of Texas Tech fans in the Northeast. The event has several talented teams and will help us prepare for our Big 12 schedule." - Chris Beard, Texas Tech University

About Mohegan Sun:

Mohegan Sun Arena is now ranked consistently among the top venues in the world according to Billboard Magazine, Pollstar and Venues Today. It has won “Casino of The Year” at the Country Music Awards in 2008 & 2010 and in 2013, was voted “Arena Of The Year” at the G2E Global Gaming Conference in Las Vegas.  Mohegan Sun Arena was also ranked among the top 10 arena venues in the nation for 2014, regardless of size. In 2015, Mohegan Sun took home the IEBA award for “Casino of the Year.”  Mohegan Sun also won “Casino of the Year” in 2 categories at the 2013 & 2016 Academy of Country Music Awards. For more information on concerts and other great events, visit Mohegan Sun. For information on this week’s schedule, call the Entertainment and Special Events hotline at ‪1-888.226-7711, ext. 27163.

About the Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference:

The MAAC, headquartered in Edison, N.J., consists of 11 member institutions: Canisius College, Fairfield University, Iona College, Manhattan College, Marist College, Monmouth University, Niagara University, Quinnipiac University, Rider University, Saint Peter's University and Siena College. For more on the conference, please visit www.maacsports.com.

About the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame:

Located in Springfield, Massachusetts, the city where basketball was invented, the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame promotes and preserves the game of basketball at every level – professional, collegiate and high school, for both men and women on the global stage.

For more information: