The York University men’s basketball team will test its mettle against two visiting US teams in exhibition games during Thanksgiving weekend at Tait McKenzie Centre.
York will play the University of North Carolina, Charlotte, Oct. 9 and Peoria, Illinois’ Bradley University, Oct. 11. Both teams play in the National Collegiate Athletic Association’s (NCAA) Division l.
Left: York Lions in action
“This is big for our team,” said York head coach Tom Oliveri. “A lot of guys on our team had NCAA aspirations and this gives them a chance to go out and show people what they are capable of.”
The Lions, semifinalists in the Canadian Interuniversity Sport (CIS) national championship in 2003-2004, have consistently ranked among the nation’s best. Led by former Rookie of the Year Dan Eves and Jordan Foebel, Ontario University Athletics field goal percentage leader, the Lions have advanced to the national championship tournament twice in the past three years and seven times overall.
The UNC Charlotte 49ers led Conference USA in scoring and rebounding last year, finishing with a record of 12-4. The 49ers advanced to the NCAA finals where they lost in the first round to Bobby Knight’s Texas Tech squad. Bradley finished sixth in the Missouri Valley Conference with a 7-11 record. Bradley is the former home of Canadian Senior National Team member James Gillingham, who completed his senior season with the Braves last season, averaging more than 15 points a game.
The Lions face UNC Charlotte at 8pm on Saturday, Oct. 9, and Bradley on Monday, Oct. 11, at 7pm. Tickets are $5 for adults and $3 for students. For ticket information, contact Kimberly Moser, communications and promotions officer, at ext. 55982 or kmoser@yorku.ca.
This article was submitted to YFile by Jim McLarty, sport and recreation information officer for the School of Kinesiology & Health Science.