Men's Basketball to Meet Alabama in NCAA Tournament

March 12, 2006

MILWAUKEE -

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For the first time since its Final Four run at the end of the 2002-03 season and for the 24th time in school history, the Marquette men's basketball team (20-10) will participate in the NCAA Division I Men's Basketball Championship.

Marquette, the seven seed, will play 10th-seeded Alabama (17-12) in the first round in San Diego, Calif. on Thursday, March 16.

Should Marquette advance past the first round, it would meet the winner of second seed UCLA (27-6) and 15th seed Belmont (20-10) on Saturday, March 18.

"It's always an incredible feeling. There's nothing like seeing your name pop up on that screen. There's a family connection because the Gottfrieds (Alabama's coach) and the Harbaughs (Crean's in-laws) are first cousins and we've never gotten a chance to play each other. It's unbelievable for our seniors and it'll be a great learning experience for our freshmen. Everybody associated with Marquette should be proud and excited for this team," head coach Tom Crean said.

Marquette has won its first round game 14 times in 23 previous trips to the tournament. Marquette has advanced as far as the national championship game twice in school history, winning the national title in 1977.

Three MU players have NCAA Tournament experience. Seniors Joe Chapman, Chris Grimm and Steve Novak each have five games under their belts, playing as part of the 2003 Final Four team.

""We really believed we could do this and today it came true. To see our name up there again is a great feeling. It never gets old. It's a great way for us seniors to go out," Novak said.

All time, MU is 31-24 in NCAA Tourney play.

"We had a lot of doubters at the beginning of the season, but none of them were in our locker room. I truly believed we could do this as freshmen from day one," freshman Dominic James said.

Game times will be announced at a later time. Check back to gomarquette.com for more information as it becomes available.