April 11, 2007 - Rider in Old Spice Classic
April 11, 2007
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Men’s College Basketball
Rider in Old Spice Classic
CELEBRATION, FLORIDA—The Rider University men’s basketball team will be one of eight teams competing in the three-game Old Spice Classic Thanksgiving weekend at the Milk House at Disney’s Wide World of Sports Complex in Florida. “I know our players, coaches, administration, alumni, boosters, and fans are extremely excited about the tournament,” said Rider head coach Tommy Dempsey.
ESPN Regional Television, Inc. announced the tournament field this week as Central Florida, George Mason, Kansas State, North Carolina State, Penn State, Rider, South Carolina and Villanova. “It also gives us an opportunity to really challenge our basketball team early in the season against great competition,” Dempsey said.
The 2008 field was also announced and includes Siena of the Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference.
“These are terrific fields that reflect the credibility and brand value of ESPN and Disney’s Wide World of Sports,” MAAC Commissioner Rich Ensor said. “This is why the Old Spice Classic has gained such acceptance from the coaches and teams in such a short time.”
“It is a real honor that the people at the MAAC, ESPN and Disney have invited us to play in such a prestigious tournament,” Dempsey said.
Coverage of Old Spice Classic games will air on ESPN2 and ESPNU. “The ESPN television exposure will be great for our basketball program and our university,” Dempsey said.
All eight teams will play three games in a bracket-tournament format November 22, 23, 25, 2007.
Rider upset South Carolina in 1982-83 in the only meeting with the Gamecocks. The Broncs have played Villanova the last two seasons, and played Penn State in the 1997-98 NIT. Rider is 1-2 against George Mason and played at Central Florida in 1986-87. Rider has never played Kansas State or North Carolina State.
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