The Concordia Stingers men’s basketball team continues its tradition of matching up with top-ranked NCAA teams when it hosts the Virginia Cavaliers at Concordia gym on Saturday, Aug. 30 at 4 p.m.
Virginia is a perennial Top 25 team in the NCAA and a member of the very competitive Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC). The Cavaliers have 16 NCAA tournament appearances to their credit and have made it to the NCAA Final Four on two occasions. Virginia’s last tournament appearance was in the 2007 season when the team was eliminated by Tennessee in the second round.
Last year, the Cavaliers posted a 17-16 overall record and were 5-11 in the ACC.
"I have a feeling they are going to be much improved this season,” says Concordia head coach John Dore. “They are usually a big, physical team that does well in what is arguably the best conference in the U.S."
In 2008, Virginia will boast an excellent recruiting class that includes Sylven Landesberg. The six-foot-five guard from Flushing, N.Y., was one of the most sought-after recruits in 2008.
Concordia and Virginia have met twice in recent years. On Oct. 9, 2004, the Cavaliers defeated the Stingers 88-76 before a sold out crowd at Concordia gym. The following year on Nov. 11, the Stingers lost 98-62 to the Cavs in Charlottesville, Va.
Concordia has had a rigorous NCAA schedule since then, playing the likes of Duke, Connecticut, Arizona and Illinois – among others. Concordia defeated the Fighting Illini 86-82 in September 2007 at Concordia gym.
"I expect it to be another great game before another sell-out crowd – just like Illinois was last year," says Dore.
Coach will also have a chance to take a look at his recruiting class which features shooting guard Adam Carneol from Los Angeles, shooting guard Arthur Begtine from France, forward Kafil Eyita from Benin and local recruit Stanley Guillaume from CEGEP Edouard-Montpetit, a forward from Montreal.
Of course everyone will be looking to see how the Buckley brothers stack up against the Americans. Dwayne Buckley, the fifth-year forward, was the driving force versus Illinois with 28 points last September. Damian, a fourth-year all-Canadian guard, had 24 points in the game.
They’ll be helped out by three seniors – centre Jamal Gallier, guard Levi Vann and forward Andre Johnny.
Tickets are now on sale by calling 514-848-2424, ext. 3898. The event is expected to sell out quickly – advance purchase is highly recommended.
Tickets are $10 for the general public. Concordia students and seniors may purchase tickets for $5.
