For Immediate Release: February 4, 2008
Contact: John Hartrick (hartrick@binghamton.edu)
Phone: 607-777-6800

BU men's basketball will play at Manhattan on February 23
Final non-conference game originally part of Bracketbusters pool

VESTAL, N.Y. -- Binghamton men's basketball will face first-time opponent Manhattan College on February 23 in the Bronx (game time TBA), the school learned Monday evening. The Bearcats' final non-conference game was originally part of the Bracketbusters series but will not be one of the televised matchups. After playing the road game this season, Binghamton will host Manhattan at the Events Center during the 2008-09 season.

"We are delighted to be a part of this event," head coach Kevin Broadus said. "We hope to represent Binghamton University and the America East Conference well and are looking forward to many New York City alumni coming coming out to support us."

The Bearcats (10-11) are in the midst of a pivotal stretch in America East play. Binghamton is tied with Vermont for second place - one game behind UMBC - with seven regular season games remaining. The Bearcats host Vermont on Wednesday and then face UMBC Saturday in Baltimore.

Manhattan is currently 8-14 overall, 2-10 in the Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference. Rider, who edged BU 81-73 in December, sits atop the MAAC standings.

The Jaspers gained national attention with back-to-back NCAA tournament appearances in 2003 and 2004 under former head coach and Binghamton native Bobby Gonzalez. Manhattan was picked to finish sixth in the MAAC preseason poll and the team has dropped eight straight games.

Binghamton, along with Vermont, Boston University and Albany were selected to represent the America East Conference in the event. Manhattan is one of 10 teams from the MAAC who are participating.