Just in case you are curious about what a

[Brad]

Just in case you are curious about what a McCaffrey Classic is...

McCaffrey Classic Page at Fresno State site

Some history there...

[bulls96go]

why?

[Guest HowieP1]

why?

Because USF Men's BB is playing in it:

Considered one of the premier collegiate basketball showcases on the West Coast, Fresno State is hosting its 26th men's college basketball tournament this year.

Formerly known as the Coors Light Classic and Trend Homes Classic, the tournament was first held in 1979. It has crowned 11 different champions: Kansas State (1), LaSalle (1), Long Beach State (1), McNeese State (1), Pepperdine (1), Purdue (1), San Francisco (1), Santa Clara (1), Washington (1), Princeton (2) and Fresno State (12).

The Bulldogs, who have won the tournament 12 times while being a runner-up 10 times, make their 26th appearance this year. The three other teams - South Florida, Mississippi Valley State and Grand Canyon - are all appearing in the tournament for the first time ever.

Drawing more than 400,000 fans in the last 25 years, Fresno State will be looking for its eighth McCaffrey title in the last nine years.

[bulls96go]

thanks!

[Guest HowieP1]

Following loss, men westward bound

By John Calkins The Oracle

Tampa, FL (U-WIRE) -- Short memories should come in handy for the Bulls this weekend.

Following its first loss of the season Wednesday at Richmond, the USF men's basketball team heads West to play in the McCaffery Classic.

"Hopefully we'll have a chance to play for a championship," coach Robert McCullum said Wednesday during a post-game interview on WTBN 570. "There is a finite number of championships that you get an opportunity to compete for during any given season or during a college player's career. It's a lot to get excited about."

In today's first round of the four-team tournament, which is hosted by Fresno State, the Bulls face Mississippi Valley State.

Mississippi Valley State was the top team last season in the Southwestern Atlantic Conference, posting a 16-2 conference record, 22-7 record overall. The Delta Devils beat USF in the two teams' only other meeting, in 1992.

"We'll be ready to play," McCullum said. "That Mississippi Valley team is going to be athletic and we expect to see a lot of zone defense on (Friday) night."

With a win today, the Bulls can expect to face Fresno State in Saturday's championship. With a loss, USF will probably meet Fresno State's first-round opponent, Grand Canyon.

"Another thing that is exciting is the opportunity to play in Fresno State's tournament," McCullum said.

http://www.collegesports.com/sports/m-baskbl/uwire/120304aau.html