May 8, 2009

ESPN Regional Television, Inc. (ERT), a subsidiary of ESPN, announced today the complete field for the 2009 O'Reilly Auto Parts Puerto Rico Tip-Off, to be held Nov. 19-22 at the Coliseo de Puerto Rico, located in the cosmopolitan Hato Rey district of San Juan.

The field for the third annual O'Reilly Auto Parts Puerto Rico Tip-Off will include Boston University, Dayton, George Mason, Georgia Tech, Indiana, Kansas State, Ole Miss and Villanova. UAB, which had been previously announced as part of the field, will be unable to participate due to a scheduling conflict.

Four of the eight teams announced reached the 2008-09 postseason. Villanova and Dayton played in the NCAA Tournament, with the Wildcats reaching the Final Four and the Flyers advancing to the second round. George Mason and Kansas State played in the National Invitation Tournament. Boston University is now coached by former Wildcat associate head coach Patrick Chambers.

"The Puerto Rico Tip-Off continues to develop into a premier basketball tournament, as this year's field represents outstanding conferences from around the country," said Pete Derzis, Senior Vice President and General Manager, ESPN Regional Television. "We're looking forward to this event, in its third year, showcasing such quality competition and a memorable experience for the fans, student-athletes, coaches and staff on and off the court in the great destination of San Juan."

The 2009 O'Reilly Auto Parts Puerto Rico Tip-Off will feature 12 games in three days, Nov. 19-22. Each team will compete in one game per day, advancing through a bracket-tournament format. The two teams that remain undefeated throughout will face off in a championship match Sunday, Nov. 22.

In November 2008, Xavier defeated Memphis, 63-58, in the championship game. Both teams were eventually ranked in the top 10 in the polls later in the season. Miami (Fla.) won the inaugural O'Reilly Auto Parts Puerto Rico Tip-Off in 2007.

Additional information, including travel packages, can be found on the O'Reilly Auto Parts Puerto Rico Tip-Off Web site at www.PuertoRicoTipoff.com.