Thursday, August 01, 2002

Valparaiso University will host Notre Dame in men's basketball at Chicago's United Center on Saturday, Jan. 4, 2003. Tipoff will be determined at a later date. Tickets can be purchased beginning Sept. 15 by calling the Valpo Athletic Ticket Office at (219) 464-5233.

"The Valpo-Notre Dame game features a rivalry in which two schools in close proximity and rich in academic tradition will have the opportunity to compete at one of the top basketball venues in the Midwest," Valpo head coach Scott Drew said. "Valpo is very excited about this game and would love to continue this series on a regular basis."

The Crusaders and Fighting Irish last met on the basketball court during the 1999-00 season at Notre Dame. The schools, which will meet for the 40th time, have played each other six times since 1990.

The game is Valpo's first-ever at the United Center. The Crusaders, defending Mid-Continent Conference Champions, are coming off a 25-8 season, the most wins in school history. In 2002, Valpo made its sixth NCAA Tournament appearance in the last seven years. Notre Dame (22-11 in 2001-02), advanced to the second round of the NCAA Tournament last season.