Friday's Cougar Tipoff Fun for Fans

Giveaways include trips to the UCLA game and a Trek Mountain Bike

PROVO -- The BYU men's basketball team will participate in the annual Cougar Tipoff on Friday at 6 p.m. in the Marriott Center. BYU will play a 40-minute blue/white scrimmage prior to the start of the women's preseason NIT contest between BYU and Idaho State at 7:30 p.m.

"This is a great opportunity for fans to have some fun, see both teams play and hear from Coach Rose," BYU Marketing Director Emily Deans said. "The doors open at 5 p.m., and the event is general admission so everyone has an equal chance at getting the best seats in the house. We're looking forward to having a great atmosphere in the Marriott Center."

Prizes will be awarded during the night, including two trips-for-two to next week's UCLA men's basketball game and a Trek Mountain Bike from Mad Dog Cycles. After the men's scrimmage, the players will meet with fans and autograph team posters.

The event is free to men's basketball season ticket holders and students with an all-sport card and a college ID. Organized, sponsored youth groups, such as young men and young women or scouts, etc., will be admitted free of charge. A family pass can be purchased for $20. Adult general admission tickets are $5, and tickets for youth (from age 5 through high school), faculty and senior citizens are $4. Fans attending the Tipoff can stay for the women's game. There is no youth group promotion for the women's game only but those attending Cougar Tipoff may stay free of charge for the women's game.

Dave Rose, the 2006 Mountain West Conference Coach of the Year, will put a high-scoring, experienced team on the floor this year with four starters and nine lettermen returning, including Freshman All-American Trent Plaisted. The Cougars are expected to be among the top contenders in a tough and competitive Mountain West Conference in 2006-07. The women's team is also picked among the favorites in the MWC and enters the year ranked No. 24 nationally under the direction of 2006 MWC Coach of the Year Jeff Judkins.