Stony Brook joins ESPN's "Bracketbusters" event
The Stony Brook men's basketball team during afternoon practice. Stony Brook's basketball arena has been rehabilitated to host Illinois in an opening round of the NIT tournament. (March 16, 2010) Credit: Photo by Joseph D. Sullivan
Stony Brook and basketball coach Steve Pikiell continue to reap dividends from last season's America East regular-season championship and NIT appearance. The Seawolves today announced they have been selected as a host school for one of the "Bracketbusters" games between Feb. 18-20.
The 114-team field includes teams from 15 conferences. Of the 57 games, 11 will be televised, including six on ESPN or ESPN2 and five on ESPNU. As part of the agreement, the home teams for "Bracketbusters" games play a return game at their opponent's facility in Novemeber or December of the following season.
If Stony Brook, which has four returning starters from last season's 22-10 team, is as good as expected this season, it might well have a shot at one of the television games. The Seawolves already are scheduled for two ESPN appearances on Nov. 16 at Monmouth as part of the "Tip-Off Marathon" and at home against Maine on Feb. 12 on ESPNU.
