DETROIT-- The University of Detroit Mercy men's basketball team has released the first portion of its 2011-12 schedule, announced Tuesday. The Titans will host nine games outside of Horizon League play at Calihan Hall, including marquee December matchups and a February BracketBuster contest.
Headlining the home slate is the Dec. 5 battle with St. John's University in a nationally-televised (ESPN2) affair at 7:00 p.m. That game will be the official dedication of "Dick Vitale Court", the new playing surface currently being installed at Calihan Hall, named after the former U of D head coach, athletic director and college basketball ambassador.
Three days later, the Titans maintain their current longest-running rivalry against a non-conference opponent when they host Western Michigan on Dec. 8. It will mark the 18th-straight year that the teams have met.
The Southeastern Conference's Mississippi State returns a home-and-home series on Dec. 17. Last season, Detroit made the trip to Starkville, Miss. to battle one of the SEC's premier teams. The final non-conference tilt prior to the bulk of the Horizon League slate happens on Dec. 22 when Alabama State makes the trek to the Motor City.
The season starts with three straight and four of the first five at home for UDM. Madonna University and Ashland University come to Calihan for exhibition tilts on Oct. 29 and Nov. 5, respectively. Lake Erie College (Ohio) opens the 2011-12 regular season campaign on Nov. 11. Overall, UDM will play 18 games in front of the home faithful this coming season with each Horizon League team making a trip to Motown. The League will release the schedule at a later date.
The road schedule is nearing finalization and will be released in the coming weeks. Game times will also be announced at a later date.
Tickets are now on-sale for all men's basketball home games. Call to purchase your pre-sale tickets today. The Titan Ticket Office is open Monday through Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and can be reached at (313) 993-1700.
Great season ticket seats are still available as well, starting at just $200 for the entire season, which includes great benefits. Visit www.DetroitTitans.com/TIX for more information, or call the Titan Ticket Office.
DETROIT TITANS 2011-12 HOME NON-LEAGUE SCHEDULE
Sat., Oct. 29 Madonna (Exh.)
Sat., Nov. 5 Ashland (Exh.)
Fri., Nov. 11 Lake Erie (Ohio)
Sat., Nov. 19 Concordia (Mich.)
Mon., Dec. 5 St. John's
Thur., Dec. 8 Western Michigan
Sat., Dec. 17 Mississippi State
Thur., Dec. 22 Alabama State
Sat., Feb. 18 ESPN BracketBuster
