Redbird men’s basketball to play Final Four team in Puerto Rico

Posted on July 27, 2017
Puerto Rico Tip-Off
(Photo courtesy GoRedbirds.com)

By ISU Sports Information

NORMAL – The Illinois State men’s basketball team will play 2017 NCAA Final Four team South Carolina, in the first of three games at the Puerto Rico Tip-Off, Nov. 16-19, according to the tournament bracket unveiled Wednesday.

ISU and South Carolina are scheduled to open the tournament on Thursday, Nov. 16 at 10:30 a.m. The Gamecocks earned an at-large bid to the NCAA Tournament where they reached the Final Four before losing to Gonzaga by four points. South Carolina finished the season 26-11 overall and 12-8 in the Southeastern Conference.

The Redbirds will then play either Boise State or UTEP on Friday, Nov. 17 in a championship bracket or consolation semifinal matchup. Boise State earned an at-large bid to the National Invitation Tournament where the Broncos advanced to the second round. Boise State went 20-12 overall and 12-6 in the Mountain West Conference last season, while UTEP went 15-17 overall and 12-6 in Conference USA. Both teams finished third in their respective leagues. The championship, third-place, fifth-place and seventh-place games will take place on Nov. 19.

Other schools competing in the three-day, 12-game tournament include Iowa State, Appalachian State, Tulsa and Western Michigan.

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