Five NCAA D1 schools visit UQAM

MONTREAL - A busy month of August is in store for UQAM’s Men’s Basketball Team, as they will host five teams that play NCAA Division I.

"We are extremely excited about the opportunity to play these schools as they represent an excellent calibre of Basketball. Over the years, we are receiving more and more American teams, a sign that our game is truly growing in popularity at the University level in this province, especially at UQAM. It also demonstrates the seriousness of our team’s preparation for the upcoming season,” said the Coordinator of Sports Excellence at UQAM, Daniel Methot.

While for some this enthusiasm for these Quebec-USA exhibition games are a sign of growth and the reputation of the sport in the province, for the head coach Olga Hrycak, “these games are major challenges! What an excellent way to prepare for the season! We will play five tough games in a very short period of time. It'll be great for team chemistry on the floor"

Last year, UQAM played two American Universities: the University of Maine (NCAA D1) and the Worcester Polytechnic Institute (NCAA D2).

Coach Hrycak believes that the American teams coming in August are in a class by themselves. "Illinois State and Akron University are very strong. Although Niagara had a difficult season in 2010-2011, they are determined to bounce back and become one of the best programs in their conference.” UQAM held their own when they played the Wildcats of New Hampshire back in 2009. And lastly, Coach Hrycak said that she knew very little about the team from Albany (where she will certainly do her homework).

Illinois State Mens’ Basketball team will be the first to set foot at UQAM’s Sports Centre, Thursday, August 11^th at 19h00. Definitely the UQAM Sports’ Center will be showcasing an excellent display of Basketball talent with the arrival of these rare visitors.

Tickets are on sale at the door:

General admission $ 10

Students $ 7

Accreditation for the complete 5 game Challenge is available:

General admission $ 30

Students $ 20

Complete schedule: NCAA Challenge at UQAM

Source:

UQAM Sports Info