YSU Accepts Invitation to CIT

BOSTON -- The Youngstown State men's basketball team has accepted an invitation to play in the 2013 CollegeInsider.com Tournament (CIT), marking the school's first postseason tournament appearance since joining the NCAA Division I ranks in 1981-82.

The Penguins (17-15), who posted consecutive winning seasons for the first time since 1985, will host their historic game on Tuesday, March 19, at 7:05 p.m. at the Beeghly Center. The Penguins' opponent has not been determined.

Tickets for the postseason game are $10 for reserved and $7 for general admission. Youngstown State student tickets are free with a current and valid student ID.

Penguin Club members and season-ticket holders have until Friday, March 15, at 5 p.m. to purchase their tickets.

Head Coach Jerry Slocum, who has a 38-year career record of 672-475, said he was honored to have the ability to continue playing this season.

"I'm very excited for this opportunity to play in the CIT," Slocum said. "We are very proud of our program and our players to receive this opportunity to play in the postseason."

Youngstown State has not played in a postseason tournament since the 1976-77 NCAA Division II Tournament.

The CIT, which is in its fifth year, consists of 32 teams and 31 games played in the month of March. First-round games are March 19-20; second-round games will be played March 21-23; the quarterfinals will be held March 24-26; the semifinals are March 28-30; and the championship game is on April 2.

The CIT Championship Game will be broadcast live on CBS Sports Network on Tuesday, April 2.

(Release courtesy of YSUSports.com)