Marquette, Dayton highlight Hoffman tourney
Hersey High School alum Brian Gregory, fresh off recording his 100th victory as head coach at the University of Dayton, joins forces with the 15th-ranked Marquette Golden Eagles for a big weekend of college men's basketball at the Sears Centre in Hoffman Estates.
The two teams will take part in the 2008 Chicago Invitational Challenge, a two-day tournament that opens today.
The schedule today begins with Mercer taking on Texas Southern at noon.
Chicago State takes the court against Bethune Cookman at 2:30 p.m.
Dayton swings into action against Auburn at 5 p.m.
The final game of the day features Marquette against Northern Iowa at 7:30 p.m.
The tournament action continues Saturday, with the first game scheduled to tip off at 11 a.m..
The main event will showcase Marquette against Dayton at 7 p.m.
Gregory's high-flying Flyers come into the weekend action sporting a 4-0 mark after a 71-53 victory over Mercer in second-round action of the CIC.
Sophomore Chris "Top Flyght" Wright led the way with 16 points, 11 rebounds and 3 blocked shots.
The Golden Eagles (4-0), who feature four players averaging double-digit scoring, are led by guard Wesley Mathews (22.8).
Marquette comes to the Sears Centre after capturing an 85-68 victory over Texas Southern.
Jerel McNeal led the way with 20 points, and forward Lazar Hayward added 18 points.
Chicago Invitational Challenge
What: An eight-team men's college basketball tournament featuring Marquette, Dayton, Auburn, Northern Iowa, Chicago State, Mercer, Texas Southern and Bethune Cookman.
When, where: Friday and Saturday at the Sears Centre in Hoffman Estates at Route 59 and I-90.
Schedule: Friday's action begins at noon with the fourth game of the day scheduled at 7:30 p.m. On Saturday, the first tip is 11 a.m., and the championship game is slated for a 7 p.m. start.
Tickets: Individual day passes (valid for all 4 games) range from $37 to $75. Combo packages start at $65. Parking: $10
Contact: For more information, call 1-800-SEARSTIX or visit searscentre.com or the box office.