Illinois-Chicago, Loyola, Bradley, Illinois State, Southern Illinois, Northern Illinois and Valparaiso are among 64 schools that will compete Feb. 19 in the third annual Bracket Buster, ESPN announced Wednesday.
Twenty-two of the 64 men’s basketball teams from 13 conferences will play in 11 televised games to be determined by ESPN in conjunction with the leagues. The other 42 teams will be matched in 21 other games on the same date.
“These are extremely meaningful games,” said Jon LeCrone, commissioner of the Horizon League, home of UIC and Loyola. “The creative philosophy is to create an opportunity for teams to receive exposure just three weeks before NCAA bids are made.”
UIC was awarded a home game in the event. Loyola, NIU, Valpo, Bradley, ISU and SIU will play on the road.