FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                                                           
November 13, 2007

Corsairs to host 9th annual Hampton Inn Basketball Classic, Nov. 16-17, 2007

 

(Dartmouth, MA) – The New England Division III collegiate basketball season will kick off this coming weekend when the University of Massachusetts Dartmouth Corsairs host the ninth annual Hampton Inn Basketball Classic at the Tripp Athletic Center November 16 and 17, 2007.

Albertus Magnus College, Husson College and Wentworth Institute of Technology, join the Corsairs in the two-day season-opening tournament.  The Hampton Inn of Westport, Fairhaven, Plymouth and Franklin and Lafrance Hospitality are sponsoring the basketball tournament for a ninth consecutive year.

 “The UMass Dartmouth Athletic Department is grateful to the Hampton Inn and Lafrance Hospitality for their nine years supporting this exciting college basketball tournament,” said UMass Dartmouth Athletic Director Ian Day.  “The Hampton Inn’s support of this tournament has allowed us to bring three quality Division III college basketball teams from throughout New England to our campus to kick off the 2007-08 collegiate basketball season.”

The tournament will begin with Wentworth and Husson facing each other in the opening game on Friday, November 16 at 6:00 p.m.  The host Corsairs will take on Albertus Magnus in the nightcap at 8:00 p.m.  The winners of Friday night’s game will play for the championship on Saturday afternoon at 3:00 p.m. The consolation game will be played at 1:00 p.m.

"It's always a pleasure to work with the Athletic Department at UMass Dartmouth, on the Hampton Inn Classic. We love hosting the teams and wish everyone the best of luck,” said Charlene J. Jarest, Director of Corporate Services.  "This is an event that all of us look forward to, each year.”

Following the tournament, the Hampton Inn Basketball Classic All-Tournament Team will be presented along with the tournament Most Valuable Player Award.  Championship and runner-up trophies will also be presented.

Coach Brian Baptiste’s 2007-08 Corsairs will try to defend the tournament title, which they have claimed in five of the tournament’s eight years.  Last year, the Corsairs captured 2006 Hampton Inn Basketball Classic championship with an 84-77 victory over Wesleyan. 

Follow this link for more information, including scores and stories, about the 9th annual Hampton Inn Basketball Classic.