ESPN Announces 75th Annual All-College Basketball Classic
TULSA, Okla. – The 75th annual All-College Basketball Classic will be held Dec. 18 at the Ford Center in Oklahoma City. The doubleheader will feature Oklahoma State vs. Alabama followed by Oklahoma vs. Cincinnati.
The All-College Basketball Classic is the world’s oldest basketball tournament, predating the NCAA, NIT, NAIA and NBA tournaments. It has been played in doubleheader format since 2001. Last December at the Ford Center, UTEP defeated Oklahoma, 89-74, while Oklahoma State beat La Salle, 77-62.
“We are thrilled to celebrate the 75th anniversary of the All-College by inviting Cincinnati to play Oklahoma and Alabama to play Oklahoma State,” said Clint Overby, senior director, events, ESPN Regional Television. “This is one of the premier college basketball events in the country and we are proud to be a part of it.”
“This field of teams for the 75th All-College Basketball Classic is indicative of the many great teams and players who have played in this event since 1936,” said Tim Brassfield, executive director, Oklahoma City All Sports Association. “We are proud and excited to host not only the two local universities but also programs like Cincinnati and Alabama, who have tremendous basketball heritage that will greatly enhance this year’s event.”
Oklahoma State finished the 2009-10 season with a 22-11 record, falling to Georgia Tech in the first round of the NCAA Tournament. The Cowboys have won seven of their last nine games at the All-College Basketball Classic. Oklahoma State has a 2-3 record all-time against Alabama, with the last meeting in 1995. The Crimson Tide finished 17-15 last season.
“We are excited about playing Alabama in the 75th Anniversary of the All-College Classic,” said Oklahoma State coach Travis Ford. “The All-College is a fantastic event which allows our fans in the Oklahoma City area an opportunity to watch us play a great opponent, and we’re pleased to be a part of it.”
Oklahoma has won 15 of its last 17 games at the All-College Basketball Classic. The Sooners finished with a 13-18 record in 2009-10. Oklahoma has a 2-2 all-time record against Cincinnati. The Bearcats posted a 19-16 record last season, advancing to the second round of the National Invitation Tournament.
“As always, we’re honored to be a part of the All-College Classic,” said Oklahoma head coach Jeff Capel. “This being the 75th year of the event makes it even more special, and we’re proud and excited to once again play in Oklahoma City. Playing a team like Cincinnati provides a very, very tough challenge. Coming from the BIG EAST, they’re a team that plays really hard, is very well coached and will return a lot of players from last year.”
“I have great respect for Jeff Capel and the Oklahoma program,” said Cincinnati coach Mick Cronin. “We are excited to play a team from the Big 12 and we thank ESPN for their help in making this series a reality.”
Tickets for the All-College Basketball Classic will go on sale in the fall.
Updated 05-24-2010
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