Dec. 16, 2010
DALLAS - When "The Showcase, presented by Reese's" tips off on Saturday at the American Airlines Center, two of the Big 12 Conference's ranked teams will play games that may have NCAA Tournament implications come March.
No. 25 Texas A&M will face Arkansas, followed by ninth-ranked Baylor taking on Gonzaga. Action gets underway at 1 p.m.
With A&M's victory last Saturday over then No. 21 Washington, which most believe will contend for a Pac-10 title this season, and Baylor's lofty ranking, ticket sales have picked up significantly. But with sales slow for most of the fall, organizers have slashed prices in half for seats, if purchases are made on Thursday or Friday this week.
Tickets, regularly priced from $30 to $125 for the doubleheader, can be purchased at the AAC box office, Ticketmaster.com or by calling 800.745.3000.
Texas A&M has won six straight games and with its entry into this week's poll, the Big 12 has six ranked teams for the very first time in league history. The Aggies will meet up with an old Southwest Conference foe, Arkansas, which is overtime away from being unbeaten this week.
"Arkansas is an athletic and even deeper team this year. They force 19 turnovers a game and are scoring at a good pace. They're having a fantastic year so far, and it'll be a real challenge for us," said Coach Mark Turgeon, who has led the Aggies to three consecutive NCAA Tournament berths. "It will be an NCAA Tournament environment against an NCAA Tournament-caliber team. The Big 12 is obviously really good again, and all these games against great teams like Arkansas just continue to prepare us for league play."
Baylor, which burst into the top 10 last week for the first time in school history, is currently ranked ninth nationally and will play traditional powerhouse Gonzaga.
"Without question, this is an important game for both Baylor and Gonzaga," said Scott Drew, head coach of the unbeaten Bears. "The Zags are battle-tested, having played a very difficult early schedule, losing to four Top-25 teams. On Saturday, I'm sure we'll get their best shot and come March, Gonzaga will be in the mix for a deep tournament run. This game will have RPI implications for both teams."
1:00 p.m. CT - Texas A&M Aggies vs. Arkansas Razorbacks
Television: ESPN2
Radio: Westwood One
3:30 p.m. CT - Baylor Bears vs. Gonzaga Bulldogs
Television: ESPN2
Radio: Westwood One
Tickets:
Available Tickets: $203, $128, $78, $53, $38 and $23
Online at Ticketmaster.com
By calling 800.745.3000
For more information:
www.showcase-dallas.com