The Valparaiso University men's basketball team will play at the University of Cincinnati on Dec. 2. The game will serve as the first of a three-year contract between the schools. The Crusaders will host the Bearcats in Valpo's Athletics-Recreation Center in 2003-04. Valpo will travel to Cincinnati in 2004-05.

"Over the last few years, Valpo basketball has tried to play the best schools available in our non-conference schedule," Valpo head coach Scott Drew said. "Cincinnati definitely fits that billing. In fact, they have the fifth best homecourt winning percentage in the nation over the last 13 years.

"Our coaching staff has worked diligently to bring in the best possible opponents to Valpo each year and we feel that Cincinnati meets that criteria and will be a great draw," Drew added. "Valpo is ecstatic about the opportunity of hosting arguably one of the top two programs in the Midwest."