UNLV could play Duke in Coaches vs. Cancer Classic in November

By Las Vegas Sun Staff (contact)

Published Tuesday, March 4, 2014 | 9:13 a.m.

Updated Tuesday, March 4, 2014 | 10:04 a.m.

UNLV has its ticket punched for a college basketball showcase at the beginning of the 2014-15 basketball season.

UNLV will join Duke, Stanford and Temple in the 2014 Coaches vs. Cancer Classic in November at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn, event organizers announced this morning.

“We are honored to play in this prestigious event and to be included with such a strong field," UNLV coach Dave Rice said in a statement. "We haven't played in New York in many years and are excited for the opportunity to play on a national stage."

Rice announced in December that UNLV was attempting to get into the field. The event, a collaboration between the American Cancer Society and the National Association of Basketball Coaches, will benefit the American Cancer Society to support its mission to save more lives and help finish the fight against cancer.

Although the matchups have not yet been announced, semifinal games will be Friday, Nov. 21. Finals will take place Saturday, Nov. 22, with a consolation game, followed by the championship game. All four games will be broadcast on truTV.

The championship and consolation games will be played on the same day as UNLV football's trip to Hawaii.

Leading into the event, all four teams will host a pair of games at home against other opponents. It's a similar setup to many nonconference tournaments, including this year's Las Vegas Classic.

Tickets will be available beginning at 7 a.m. PDT Monday, through Ticketmaster, Coaches vs. Cancer, Barclays Center or by calling 800-745-3000.