Posted: March 16, 2010
OKLAHOMA CITY, Okla. – The Lehigh men’s basketball team departed campus bright and early on Tuesday as the Mountain Hawks began their journey to the Midwest for the 2010 NCAA Tournament. Following a long day of travel and getting settled in Oklahoma, the Mountain Hawks will meet the media and conduct their open practice session on Wednesday. Lehigh will then take on number-one overall seed Kansas on Thursday evening at Ford Center in the Midwest Regional beginning at 9:40 eastern time.
On Tuesday morning, Mountain Hawks head coach Brett Reed conducted a live interview with CBS 3 out of Philadelphia on Lehigh’s Packer Campus and upon finishing he jumped on board the Lehigh bus and the team set out for the Philadelphia Airport. Lehigh’s flight from Philadelphia left at 11:30 local time and took the Mountain Hawks to Atlanta where they then hopped on a connection flight to Oklahoma City.
After picking up their bags at the Will Rogers World Airport the Mountain Hawks headed to the official team hotel, the Crowne Plaza in Oklahoma City. Lehigh then grabbed a quick bite to eat as a team and then it was off to practice at Oklahoma Christian University where the team went through a spirited practice.
“I’m very excited to be here and about the challenge that is in front of us,” freshman Gabe Knutson said following Tuesday’s practice. “It’s going to be exciting to play the number-one team in the country; I like playing against bigger teams and I think we’re ready for the opportunity.”
He then commented on Tuesday’s travel. “Today was a long day, but I’m feeling well. I’m ready to get some rest in tonight and during the early part of the day tomorrow. It will be exciting to head to the arena tomorrow afternoon; I always enjoy seeing new arenas.”
Junior Michael Ojo offered his thoughts on getting to Oklahoma City. “It’s been a long day, it was a little hectic at times, but this is probably the most exciting basketball experience up to this point of my playing career.” He continued, “I thought practice went well tonight. At this point of the season we know what we need to do in order to be successful; it’s up to us to go out and take care of our business.”
On Wednesday the team will have the morning and early afternoon free for some team bonding activities throughout town. The Mountain Hawks will then eat lunch and head over to Ford Center where members of the team will speak with a large contingent of various media members. After speaking with the media the Mountain Hawks will conduct their open practice session on the arena floor as they begin final preparations for their showdown with the nation’s number-one team.
“I’m looking forward to Wednesday and to see what the NCAA Tournament is all about,” Ojo commented. “It will be fun to check out the arena and to speak with the media. I can’t wait to see what this whole experience will be like.”
Lehigh and Kansas will get things started at approximately 9:40 eastern time on Thursday evening inside Ford Center in the second game of an NCAA Tournament doubleheader. No. 8 UNLV and No. 9 Northern Iowa will begin the hoops festivities when they meet at 7:10 eastern time.
Fans can listen to the Mountain Hawks take on the Jayhawks live on ESPN Radio 1230 and 1320 with veteran Matt Kerr and Jeff Tourial calling the action. Pre-game coverage will begin 30 minutes prior to tip-off. The game will also be shown live on CBS with Kevin Harlan and Dan Bonner on the call.
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