Cougar Tipoff Free to Fans

First Look at Cougar Basketball Wednesday in the Marriott Center

PROVO -- Cougar fans can get their first look at this season's BYU men's basketball team Wednesday at the annual Cougar Tipoff. The event is free to the public and will begin at 7 p.m. in the Marriott Center.

"This is a great opportunity for fans to have some fun, see the men's team play and hear from Coach Rose," BYU Marketing Director David Almodova said. "The doors open at 5:30 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."

Cougar Tipoff features a full-length men's team scrimmage, a two-ball shooting contest and meet-the-team autograph signings for both the men's and women's teams with free team posters. Prizes will be awarded during the night, including a Trek Mountain Bike from Mad Dog Cycles.

"Our guys are working hard to prepare for the season," BYU men's basketball coach Dave Rose said. "I believe our fans will enjoy watching this team play. We will be aggressive and play with a lot of passion."

The night will begin with men's team introductions before Coach Rose splits his squad into two teams for the first half of the running-clock scrimmage. During the 15-minute halftime, the women's team will be introduced followed by a two-ball shooting contest pairing four men's players and four fans. The men's team will then return for the second half of the blue-white contest.

After the game, BYU men's and women's players will meet with fans and sign autographs on the court.

The men's team finished last season ranked No. 24 in the final Associated Press Poll and is the preseason favorite to repeat as Mountain West Conference champions. The women's team is also coming off an MWC championship season and is picked among the top three preseason favorites this year under the direction head coach Jeff Judkins.