March 1, 2012
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Fort Collins, Colo. — Tournament officials announced today the eight teams slated to compete in the 2012 Men’s Cancun Challenge played at the all-inclusive Moon Palace Resort in Cancun, Mexico.
The field includes Iowa (Big Ten), DePaul (Big East), Western Kentucky (Sun Belt), and Wichita State (Missouri Valley) playing in the Riviera Division. The Mayan Division features Howard (MEAC), Austin Peay State (Ohio Valley), Western Carolina (Southern) and Gardner-Webb (Big South).
“We are excited to announce the 2012 tournament field. It is a group of teams that have a good core of young talent and excellent recruiting classes coming into the programs,” said Tournament Director Brent Amick. “This is a unique event for both teams and fans played in a beautiful setting in Cancun, Mexico. We expect to see another great year of exciting and competitive games.”
The tournament format includes eight games played in the United States (Nov. 15 and 17) where the four teams in the Riviera Division host the four schools in the Mayan Division. All eight teams then travel to Cancun, Mexico for two games (Nov. 20-21) played at the Moon Palace Resort. A champion is crowned in both divisions.
The Cancun Challenge is regarded as one of the most unique preseason men’s college basketball tournaments. Teams stay at the all-inclusive Moon Palace Resort and enjoy all the amenities the resort has to offer. A ballroom is converted into an arena and fans who attend the event get an up-close perspective of their team while enjoying an all-inclusive setting. Previous champions include Vanderbilt (2008), Kentucky (2009), Missouri (2010), and Illinois (2011).
For complete information on the Cancun Challenge and fan travel packages please visit cancunchallenge.net.