Men's basketball selected to CBI
MEN'S BASKETBALL SELECTED TO COLLEGE BASKETBALL INVITATIONAL
Bryant to host Richmond on Wednesday at 7 p.m. in opening round at the Chace Athletic Center
Purchase Tickets l CBI Tournament Bracket l Game Notes l Live Stats l Webcast
SMITHFIELD, R.I. – The Bryant University men's basketball team has been selected to compete in the 2013 College Basketball Invitational (CBI) and will host a first-round game against the University of Richmond on Wednesday, March 20 at 7 p.m. at the Chace Athletic Center.
The Bulldogs (19-11, 12-6 Northeast Conference) earn the right to host the Spiders (18-14, 8-8 Atlantic 10) following one of the most impressive turnarounds in NCAA history this season, finishing second in the NEC standings and qualifying for postseason play in the program's first campaign with full Division I eligibility.
"To be selected for a postseason tournament as well respected as the CBI is a wonderful achievement in any season," said head coach Tim O'Shea, "but this is particularly gratifying given it is our first season of full Division I eligibility. We look forward to representing Bryant University and the NEC."
The College Basketball Invitational is a 16-team, four-round tournament culminating in a best-of-three Championship Series, with all games being played at campus sites of the higher seed. The winner of Wednesday's game between Bryant and Richmond will advance to the CBI Quarterfinal Round on March 25 to take on the winner of Wright State and Tulsa.
The Semifinal Round will take place March 27 with the Championship Series slated for April 1, April 3 and April 5 (if necessary).
"We are so proud of head coach Tim O'Shea and these student-athletes for their remarkable achievements this season," said Director of Athletics Bill Smith. "To be selected as part of the CBI field and as a host institution in our first year eligible is exciting for our program, our student body, our school and the whole Bryant community."
Tickets for Wednesday's game will go on sale Monday, March 18 at noon and will be available for purchase at the Chace Athletic Center from 12-5 p.m. Tickets can also be purchased online or by phone via the Bryant Ticket Office at 401-319-TIXX (8499).
This season's CBI field also includes George Mason, College of Charleston, Texas, Houston, Vermont, Santa Clara, Western Illinois, Purdue, Wright State, Tulsa, Lehigh, Wyoming, North Dakota State and Western Michigan. Recent tournament participants include such programs as Butler, Oregon, Pittsburgh, Creighton, VCU, Rhode Island, Stanford and St. John's.
For more information on the College Basketball Invitational or the Gazelle Group, visit www.gazellegroup.com.
CBI Tournament Information
Opening Round – Richmond at Bryant
Wednesday, March 20, 7 p.m.
Chace Athletic Center
Quarterfinal Round
Monday, March 25, TBA (vs. winner of Wright State/Tulsa)
Semifinal Round
Wednesday, March 27, TBA
Championship Series
Monday, April 1/Wednesday, April 3/Friday, April 5 (if necessary), TBA
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