The Cancun Challenge will kick off its second year in Mexico this November, offering men’s college basketball programs the only opportunity to play south-of-the-border during the 2009-2010 season.

 

The tournament features eight NCAA Division I men’s basketball teams and will be played November 18-25. There will be eight games played in the U.S. and eight games played at the Moon Palace Resort, a 5-star all-inclusive resort in Cancun, Mexico. 

 

Cleveland State, Kentucky, Stanford and Virginia headline the field and are joined by Florida A&M, Oral Roberts, Rider and Sam Houston State.

 

This tremendous field is led by Kentucky and newly named head coach John Calipari.  Cleveland State made it to the NCAA Tournament last season for only the second time since 1986. Virginia is led by ACC Rookie of the Year, Sylven Landesberg, and returns 3 of 5 starters. Johnny Dawkins and the Stanford Cardinal, who return two key starters and a solid list of reserves, round out the host team group. These teams will each host two games in their home arenas, then play each other for two games in Cancun. The other four teams will travel to U.S. games, then play two games against each other in Cancun.

 

The Cancun Challenge is owned and produced by Fort Collins, Colo.-based Triple Crown Sports, which also organizes women’s college basketball tournaments in Cancun. Triple Crown coordinates the Preseason and Postseason Women’s NIT as well.

 

Seating is limited for this exclusive event, and all fans must book travel packages through Triple Crown Sports or a designated travel agency for admission into games in Cancun. Games in Cancun will be played November 24 and 25. For travel packages and information, contact Melissa Koza at 970-672-0567 or Melissa@triplecrownsports.com or visit the website at http://www.cancunchallenge.net/.

 

CANCUN CHALLENGE

Schedule of U.S.-based games

Game times TBA

Nov. 18

Oral Roberts at Stanford

 

Nov. 19

Sam Houston State at Kentucky

Rider at Virginia

Florida A&M at Cleveland State

 

Nov. 21

Florida A&M at Stanford

Oral Roberts at Virginia

Rider at Kentucky

Sam Houston State at Cleveland State

 

 

Games in CANCUN, Mexico
Game times TBA

Nov. 24

Kentucky vs. Cleveland State

Virginia vs. Stanford

Florida A&M vs Rider

Oral Roberts vs. Sam Houston State

 

Nov. 25

Kentucky-Cleveland St. winner vs. Virginia-Stanford winner

Kentucky-Cleveland St. loser vs. Virginia-Stanford loser

Florida A&M ? Rider winner vs. Oral Roberts-Sam Houston State winner

Florida A&M ? Rider loser vs.Oral Roberts-Sam Houston State loser