Men's Basketball HomePage | New Mexico MBB
GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. - The Davenport University men's basketball program will tip-off the 2011-12 season against Division I basketball opponent New Mexico in an exhibition contest on Tuesday, November 1. The Panthers will travel to Albuquerque, New Mexico and meet the Lobos in a 7:00 pm (MST) tip-off. The match-up will be the first time Burt Paddock and his former coach Steve Alford will face off on opposing teams.
Paddock played for Alford at Manchester University during his freshman and sophomore years before Alford left to become the head coach at Missouri State. The coach and player combined for a 58-5 record in their time together, winning two conference championships and two conference tournament titles. Manchester made it to the NCAA Division III national championship game in Paddock's sophomore season.
“I can't put into words how excited I am for the opportunity our student athletes have this fall to go out to New Mexico,” said Paddock.”
Davenport is coming off their best season in school history with 29 wins and an NAIA Division II Elite 8 appearance. The Panthers have won 20 games each of last three years and have made a trip to Branson, Missouri for the NAIA Division II National Championship in their last two seasons. Four out of the top five scorers will return for DU in 2011-12 as they also welcome a very talented recruiting class.
New Mexico plays their home games in “The Pit” which has been touted by Sports Illustrated as “One of the Top 20 Venues in the 20th Century.” The 2011-12 season will be the 46th year that University Arena has served as home for Lobo hoops. A total of 793 games have been played in the Pit with the Lobos coming away the victor in 645 of those, good for a stunning .813 winning percentage. The Lobos have averaged an astounding 15,456 fans the past 46 years, an amazing 95% of capacity.
“Coach Alford has been very gracious in inviting us out to play in the Pit, one of the best arenas in the country, and I can't thank him enough, added Paddock. This will be a great experience for our guys, our staff, and our fans.”
According to the New Mexico website, the game will be audio broadcast on the internet and live stats will be available. More details on the exhibition game will follow as the season draws closer.
