PITTSBURGH – The University of Pittsburgh men’s basketball team will host three games and travel to New York’s Madison Square Garden to face Davidson Dec. 20 in the Showcase Game of the fourth annual Gotham Classic as announced Tuesday by tournament officials.
The Panthers welcome Eastern Washington (Dec. 11) and Morehead State (Dec. 13) to the Petersen Events Center prior to the tilt with defending Atlantic 10 regular season champion Davidson. Pittsburgh will also host Western Carolina (Dec. 23) to round out the event.
“We are excited to be a part of the Gotham Classic,” says Pitt head coach Jamie Dixon. “It is a terrific event with matchups that will prepare us for our conference schedule. We have always received great support in the New York area, so playing an outstanding team like Davidson at Madison Square Garden will be tremendous for our team and our fans.”
Davidson head coach Bob McKillop says, “We are thrilled to participate in the Gotham Classic. Superb programs, outstanding coaches, and an opportunity to play in Madison Square Garden will make it a very exciting and challenging event for Davidson College.”
Both the Panthers and Wildcats will host three games in addition to playing each other at MSG on Sunday, December 20. This marks the sixth time that Pitt and Davidson will play, but the first since January of 1974. The Panthers hold a 3-2 lead in the series. The two programs combine for 38 NCAA Tournament appearances all-time.
The format of the Gotham Classic features 10 games with all five teams playing each other.
2015 Gotham Classic Schedule
Dec. 9 – Eastern Washington at Davidson
Dec. 17 – Morehead State at Eastern Washington
Dec. 11 – Eastern Washington at Pittsburgh
Dec. 12 – Western Carolina at Davidson
Dec. 13 – Morehead State at Pittsburgh
Dec. 14 – Eastern Washington at Western Carolina
Dec. 20 – Pittsburgh vs. Davidson (at Madison Square Garden)
Dec. 20 – Western Carolina at Morehead State
Dec. 23 – Morehead State at Davidson
Dec. 23 – Western Carolina at Pittsburgh