SPRINGFIELD, Mass. - La Salle University is one of eight schools that will take part in the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame's 2017 Tip-Off Tournament, it was announced by the organization on Wednesday. The annual NCAA men's exempt tournament will take place Saturday, November 18 and Sunday, November 19 at Mohegan Sun Arena in Uncasville, Connecticut.

Eight schools will compete in two four-team brackets with campus round games leading up to the Mohegan Sun Arena contests. The Explorers are in the Naismith Bracket, along with Boston College, Northwestern and Texas Tech, and will host a pair of campus round games against Saint Peter's (Nov. 11) and South Alabama (Nov. 16) at Tom Gola Arena at TruMark Financial Center.

"First and foremost, the Basketball Hall of Fame Tip-Off Tournament gives us access to outstanding opponents," head coach Dr. John Giannini said. "Secondly, every coach who has participated in the past that I have spoken with was extremely pleased with the people, the organization and facilities involved. Lastly, I'm sure our fans will enjoy Mohegan Sun, making it a great event for all."

In addition to La Salle, teams scheduled to participate in this year's Tip-Off Tournament are: Boston College (Atlantic Coast Conference), University of Maine (America East), Northwestern University (Big Ten), Sacred Heart University (Northeast), Saint Peter's University (Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference), University of South Alabama (Sun Belt) and Texas Tech University (Big 12).
 
"The Hall of Fame Tip-Off Tournament at Mohegan Sun saw record attendance last year and has become one of the most competitive collegiate events in the early season," said John L. Doleva, President and CEO of the Basketball Hall of Fame. "Mohegan Sun is a beautiful venue and we look forward to hosting this year's teams and loyal fans."

General public tickets will go on sale Friday, September 8 at 10:00 a.m. ET via all Ticketmaster outlets and the Mohegan Sun Arena box office. Pre-sales for participating schools begin Thursday, June 1. Broadcast information and game times will be announced at later date. For more information, please visit www.halloffametipoff.com.

Naismith Bracket
Boston College
La Salle University
Northwestern University
Texas Tech University

Springfield Bracket
University of Maine
Sacred Heart University
Saint Peter's University
University of South Alabama