SPI Invitational Division I Basketball Tournament

Teams announced for 6th Annual South Padre Island Invitational

The South Padre Island Invitational, one of college basketball's elite Thanksgiving tournaments, has put together another stellar field that includes two teams which participated in the 2010 NCAA Tournament.

Brigham Young University (30-6), preseason ranked No. 15,  returns 3 starters from last year's team.  Included in the lineup is All-American guard and one of the nation's leading scorers, Jimmer Fredette (22.1 ppg) and Senior guard Jackson Emery (12.5 ppg).  This guard tandem should prove to be one of the nation's best.

Texas Tech University (19-16)  returns five of its top six scorers and seven seniors including Mike Singletary (15 ppg), who led the Red Raiders in scoring last year.  Point guard John Roberson (14.5 ppg) will also be returning.

Saint Mary's College (28-6) returns 3 starters off of last season's Sweet 16 appearance in the 2010 NCAA tournament.  The Gaels will be led by the back court duo of Mickey McConnell and Matthew Dellavedova.  As a Junior,  McConnell averaged 13.8 points per game and led the nation in 3 point shooting at 51 percent.

The University of  South Florida (20-13) returns three starters from last year's surging basketball program.  The Bulls will be led by the forward tandem of  junior Augustus Gilchrist (13.4 ppg) and senior Jarrid Famous (10.4 ppg).

The field of eight teams includes Liberty University, Chicago State University, Mississippi Valley State University and Georgia Southern University.  Each team will play four games- the first two at campus sites, and the final two rounds at the South Padre Island Convention Center on beautiful South Padre Island, Texas on November 26 & 27th.

Tournament passes are limited and can be purchased through the participating schools ticket offices or through the South Padre Island Convention Center Box Office (888) 774-8587 or online at www.sopadre.com.