PHILADELPHIA, Pa. (12/5/03) -Saint Joseph's, ranked 12th in the nation, opens defense of its Big 5 title when it faces Pennsylvania in the annual Philadelphia Big 5 Classic on Saturday, December 6 at the Palestra. Click here for game notes, and streaming audio.
The game is the second of a sold-out doubleheader with Temple and Drexel tipping off the action at noon, followed by the Hawks and Quakers at 2 p.m. The evening game pits La Salle against Villanova at 8 p.m.
The undefeated Hawks (4-0) are coming off an 84-52 win over San Francisco in the home opener on Tuesday night. National Player of the Year candidate
Jameer Nelson led the way with 18 points and six assists in 22 minutes of action. Penn is currently 2-2 on the year with wins over Drexel and Indiana State.
Last season, Saint Joseph's went 4-0 in the City Series and won its first outright Big 5 title since 1980.
Proceeds of the Big 5 Classic go to Coaches vs. Cancer. Fans are also asked to support the Big 5 Slam Dunk Hunger Drive by bringing can goods to the Palestra. Food donations will go to the Greater Philadelphia Food Bank.
The afternoon games will be televised by Comcast Sportsnet, while the Hawks' contest can also be heard on WPEN-Radio (950 AM) with Tom McCarthy and Joe Lunardi calling the action.
Although the afternoon doubleheader is sold out, tickets still remain for the La Salle- Villanova game and can be purchased by calling either 215-951-1999 or 610-519-4100.
