FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

March 1, 2007

Cox Sports Television to Broadcast
Rhode Island College’s NCAA Tournament Appearance

Providence, RI— Cox Sports Television (Channel 3) will broadcast first round competition of the 2007 NCAA Division III Men’s Basketball Tournament between visiting Coast Guard and Rhode Island College live at 8 p.m. on March 2. The NCAA Committee selected The Murray Center as one of just 11 national sites to host four teams in first and second round action on March 2-3.

“Showcasing Rhode Island College in the NCAA Division III Tournament game emphasizes our commitment to offering compelling local sports to our customers,” said Paul Cronin, vice president and region manager, Cox Communications New England. “We are pleased to provide this great opportunity for RIC fans a chance to catch all the action live exclusively on Cox Sports.”

The veteran announcing tandem of Don Coyne and Abu Bakr will provide the play-by-play call and color analysis live from The Murray Center, on the campus of Rhode Island College, starting at 8 p.m.

Rhode Island College is making its second appearance on Cox Sports Television this season. The Anchormen debuted under the watchful eyes of the TV cameras on Dec. 5, 2006, when Rhode Island College cruised to a 29-point victory at intra-state rival Johnson and Wales.

“Cox has been a huge supporter of college basketball at all levels throughout New England,” said Head Coach Bob Walsh. “We are very excited that our first NCAA Tournament game in 28 years will be shown live on Cox Sports TV on Friday night.” 

Rhode Island College (24-3) and Coast Guard (14-13) are making their first appearance in the NCAA Tournament since 1979, where the Bears defeated the Anchormen, 76-71, in the consolation round 28 years ago to the exact day. Rhode Island College has been victorious the past five meeting with Coast Guard, including a 76-71 win in New London, Conn. on Dec. 12, 2006.

Cox Sports Television (www.cox-sports.com) is a regional sports network that delivers exclusive, compelling, high profile professional, amateur and collegiate men’s and women’s sporting events to viewers in its coverage area of Rhode Island and Connecticut. CST features the BIG EAST Conference, Providence College and Pawtucket Red Sox, New England Revolution and more. The channel also features exclusive coverage of Rhode Island Interscholastic League Championships and other local high school games.

-end-