Men's Basketball hosts SCF Classic, Dec 15-17

BRADENTON, Fla.- Men's Basketball is hosting the 2nd Annual SCF Classic. Eight teams from across the country will play at Hal Chasey Gymnasium from Saturday, December 15th through Monday, December 17th. Teams include Polk State College, Indian River State College, ASA College (NY), Broward College, Marion Military Institute (AL), St. Thomas University JV, and the State College of Florida. Game times will be at 1, 3, 5 and 7pm for all three days of the classic.

The first day of the classic starts with Polk State vs. IMG Academies at 1pm. Polk is currently (7-5) and are the defending Suncoast Conference Champions. They are led by head coach, Matt Furjanic who recently hit 500 wins at the collegiate level. The Eagles have made five state tournament appearances and were conference champs in 2003, 2004, 2008, 2009 and 2011. Their opponent, IMG Academies met up with the SCF Manatees on November 3rd. SCF beat the Royals 99-67 in their first contest of the 2012 season.

The second matchup of the day is at 3pm between Indian River State College and Marion Military Institute. MMI, currently (5-5), takes on tough competition in IRSC. The River is currently ranked #8 in the FCSAA Coaches' Poll. IRSC is (10-1) and their only loss came at home at the hands of SCF, 112-97.

Game three is between ASA College (NY) and Broward College at 5pm. ASA is (9-1), 14th in the nation in points per game and brings high scoring potential to the tournament. ASA broke 100 points twice this season boasting a large 127 points scored against Kingsborough Community College. Broward (7-3) has met up with SCF Classic opponents IMG, St. Thomas University JV, and SCF already this season. They beat St. Thomas 109-52, IMG 90-82, and fell to the SCF Manatees 100-82.

The final game of day one is St. Thomas University JV against tournament host team State College of Florida at 7pm. SCF is (10-3) and currently ranked #6 in the FCSAA Coaches' Poll. The Manatees have racked up ten games in which they scored over 100 points. Nationally they are first in assists, second in points per game, third in total points, and seventh in three-point percentage.

Brackets will be set based on day one results. Sunday and Monday's games will also be at 1, 3, 5 and 7pm. Information and updated tournament brackets will be posted on www.scfmanatees.com, www.facebook.com/SCFManatees and www.twitter.com/SCFManatees.