Coaches vs. Cancer: More Than an Elite Basketball Tournament

Madison Square Garden has played host to the Coaches versus Cancer Tournament since 1995, where four of the nation’s top college basketball programs square off in an early-season showcase. Past champions include Syracuse, Duke, and Memphis to name a few, and this year’s star-studded cast should make for great basketball. Pittsburgh (#4), Illinois (#13), Texas (#25), and Maryland will battle it out for the title on November 18-19.

Although the programs involved are all vying for the spot to call themselves the premiere team in college basketball, there is so much more behind the Coaches vs. Cancer tournament than a series of basketball games. Since 1996, this tournament has raised over 4.5 million dollars. Sponsored by 2k Sports, the National Association of Basketball Coaches and the American Cancer Society join forces to raise awareness and funds for the fight against cancer.

New York City plays a great host, as not only does the city that never sleeps house the finals of the tournament in the “World’s Most Famous Arena,” but they also hold a phenomenal Alumni Bar Party supporting the cause. On Thursday November 11, The Village Pourhouse (64 3rd Avenue @ 11th St.) will hold a Happy Hour benefiting Coaches vs Cancer, where Alumni from Pittsburgh, Illinois, Texas, and Maryland will team up to battle cancer before their alma maters take the court in the annual classic. Each alumni group will have their own signature willytail, as 50% of the proceeds from these drinks will be donated to the American Cancer Society to assist in cancer research. In addition to great drinks for a great cause, there will be raffle giveaways including VIP seating to the 2010 Coaches vs Cancer tournament, gift cards and FREE open bars at Village Pourhouse. The festivities will begin at 6:00 PM, and for more information click here.

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