George Washington versus Vermont will precede the UH game at 5:00 p.m., while Buffalo-Pepperdine (5 p.m.) and Colorado-Coppin State (7:30 p.m.) complete the first-round match-ups on Dec. 28.
One of the favorite sports traditions in Hawai'i and the longest running eight-team tournament in the nation, the Rainbow Classic enters its 45th year. This will be the final year of the Rainbow Classic as an eight-team Holiday affair as the format changes to a four-team early-season round-robin in 2009.
Hawai'i enters the tournament having won six out its last seven games, including six straight wins at the Stan Sheriff Center. UH is in the midst of an eight-game home stand and following a loss at Illinois on Dec. 8, has won each of its last three games at the Stan Sheriff Center by double digits.
Colorado State comes to the islands as a familiar foe, having competed against Hawai'i in the Western Athletic Conference before leaving for the Mountain West Conference in 1999. The Rams are currently on a six-game losing skid and enter the tournament at 3-8.
Game 10 Tip-off Notes
What: 2008 Outrigger Hotel's Rainbow Classic
Who: Hawai'i (6-3) vs. Colorado State (3-8)
When: Saturday, Dec. 27, 2008
Time: 7:35 p.m. HT
Where: Stan Sheriff Center (10,300) - Honolulu, HI
Television: KFVE-TV (Ch. 5 - The Home Team). Jim Leahey will handle the play-by-play and Artie Wilson will provide color commentary. Rebroadcast at 10:30 p.m.
Streaming Video: Live video streaming is available on uhstreaming.oceanic.com.
Radio: ESPN 1420 AM will carry the game live with Bobby Curran. Neighbor islands can listen live on KNUI on Maui, KPUA in Hilo, KMWB in Kona.
Audio Webcast: Live audio streaming on espn1420am.com
Live Stats: Live in-game stats are available at HawaiiAthletics.com
Ticket Information: Rainbow Classic Package - $90 (upper), $70 (lower). Evening session tickets - $26 (lower); $18 (upper). Afternoon session tickets - $7 (general admission). Parking $3.
Promotions: Outrigger Hotels will be giving out fans to the first 2,000 fans each night.
Coaches: Bob Nash (17-22) is in his second year at UH. Tim Miles (10-33) is in his second year at Colorado State.
Series Information: Colorado State leads, 22-21.
Rainbow Classic History
-Since 1964, 153 teams have participated in the annual Rainbow Classic.
-Host Hawai'i has won the most championships (11), including four consecutive from 2001-04.
-North Carolina ranks second to UH with three titles, followed by Purdue and Illinois with two.
- Hawai'i is 72-60 (.545) all-time in the Rainbow Classic.
- Hawai'i has reached the championship game 19 times in 44 years.
- The Classic boasts a rich history of all-time great players, including “Pistol” Pete Maravich, Isiah Thomas and Michael Jordan.
-UH-
