Southern Illinoise University Athletics
Men's Basketball to play Arkansas on Thanksgiving Day
07/25/2006 | 12:00:00 | Men's Basketball
July 25, 2006
In a nationally televised game on ESPN2, the Saluki men's basketball team will play Arkansas on Thanksgiving Day in Orlando, tipping off the inaugural "Old Spice Classic."
ESPN Regional Television unveiled the matchups for the eight-team holiday tournament Tuesday and announced a sponsorship agreement with Old Spice.
The Old Spice Classic (formerly called "The ESPNU Classic") is a three-day, eight-team event held at Disney's Wide World of Sports Complex and also includes Marist, Minnesota, Montana, Virginia Tech, West Virginia and Western Michigan.
"This is another great opportunity to showcase our program on national TV and carry the banner for the Missouri Valley Conference," Saluki head coach Chris Lowery said. "I'm pleased that our fans will have an opportunity to enjoy Saluki basketball over the holidays."
The entire competition, which will take place Nov. 23, 24 and 26, will be televised live, with nine games on ESPN2 and three on ESPNU.
As part of the agreement, Old Spice will receive television advertising and be recognized as the title sponsor.
Anthony Travel will serve as the Official Travel Partner of the Old Spice Classic, providing team travel support and fan travel packages for the participating schools. For Old Spice Classic transportation and travel package information, please visit AnthonyTravel.com or call Anthony Travel at (800) 736-6377.
ESPN2 and ESPNU Tournament Schedule
Thurs., Nov. 23
12 p.m. Arkansas vs. Southern Illinois (ESPN2)
2 p.m. Marist vs. Minnesota (ESPN2)
7:30 p.m. Virginia Tech vs. W. Michigan (ESPN2)
9:30 p.m. West Virginia vs. Montana (ESPN2)
Fri., Nov. 24
10:30 a.m. Game 1 and 2 Losers (ESPN2)
12:30 p.m. Game 1 and 2 Winners (ESPN2)
5 p.m. Game 3 and 4 Winners (ESPN2)
7:30 p.m. Game 3 and 4 Losers (ESPNU)
Sun., Nov. 26
11 a.m. Game #9 (7th/8th Place) ESPNU
1 p.m. Game #10 (5th/6th Place) ESPNU
5:30 p.m. Game #11 (3rd/4th Place) ESPN2
7:30 p.m. Game #12 (Champion/2nd Place) ESPN2
All times Eastern
