LAS VEGAS – College basketball returns to T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas when the fifth-annual MGM Resorts Main Event tips on Nov. 19-21. The tournament’s Heavyweight Bracket will feature Arizona State vs. Mississippi State and Saint Mary’s vs. Utah State on Monday, Nov. 19 with the championship and consolation games being played on Wednesday, Nov. 21. Game times will be announced at a later date.
“This year’s MGM Resorts Main Event will certainly have a west coast flair with the Pac-12, Mountain West and West Coast Conference all being represented,” said Brooks Downing, President and CEO of bd Global. “T-Mobile Arena, which is simply one of the finest venues in the world, will be rocking that week right before Thanksgiving.”
Arizona State finished 20-12 last season and earned a berth in the NCAA Tournament. Coach Bobby Hurley’s Sun Devils will be led by sophomore Romello White and top-50 recruit Taeshon Cherry. Coach Ben Howland’s Mississippi State squad will be bolstered by two Top-50 recruits of its own in Reggie Perry and Robert Woodard II and will return all five starters from a 25-12 team last season including leading scorer and All-SEC standout Quinndary Weatherspoon.
Saint Mary’s has won 29+ games in each of the past three seasons and finished the regular season ranked among the nation’s Top-25 teams. Coach Craig Smith takes over the helm at Utah State after leading South Dakota to consecutive postseason appearances in his final two seasons. The Aggies will be led by Sam Merrill, last season’s leading scorer at 16.3 points, and Dwayne Brown, Jr.
Tickets will go on-sale this summer at the T-Mobile Arena box office, AXS.com or by calling 888-9AXSTIX. Ticket information and hotel room information for the MGM Resorts Main Event can also be found at www.mgmresortsmainevent.com.