The ‘Eaters are going to the Big Dance!

Last night the UCI men’s basketball team capped its best season ever by winning the Big West Conference tournament at the Honda Center, overwhelming the Cal State Fullerton team 92-64.

With this historic win, our team is now officially participating, for only the second time in our history, in the NCAA tournament that determines the national championship.

Congratulations to everyone who played a part in the team’s great success this year: the players, who give so generously their energy, their talent, and their passion to the game they love, all the while carrying heavy course loads and pursuing their degrees; the coaches, led by Russell Turner, who unstintingly teach each member of the team how to be a better player and, in the process, a better student and a better person; and the hardworking people of our athletics department, led by interim director Paula Smith, whose dedication and support for the team are unequalled.

Later this afternoon Anteater fans will gather at the Newkirk Alumni Center to watch the national telecast that announces when and where the ‘Eaters start tournament play. Doors open at 2:00 p.m.; the viewing begins at 3:00 p.m.

Again, congratulations to our men’s basketball team on its historic achievements! Go ‘Eaters! Zot! Zot! Zot!

Chancellor Howard Gillman