The University of Maine at Presque Isle Men’s Basketball team will be participating for the very first time in the USCAA National Tournament, and the University is ensuring that all fans who can’t join the team in Pennsylvania have an opportunity to gather in Presque Isle for the big game. The University will host a viewing party of the game on Wednesday, March 2, in the Owl’s Nest, located on the first floor of the Campus Center. The game will be live streamed online and tip-off is at 8 p.m. All are invited to attend this free event and cheer on the UMPI Men’s Basketball team.

“We wanted to ensure that all Owls fans had the chance to watch the game together and cheer on the team,” UMPI President Linda Schott said. “We’re extremely proud of our Men’s Basketball team for earning a spot in the tournament and we’re very excited for Wednesday’s game.”

The Owls Basketball team was selected as the nine seed in the USCAA tournament, taking place on the campus of Penn State Fayette. The Owls will play their first game against St. Joseph’s College of Vermont. The winning team will face the #1 seeded Berkeley College at 5:30 p.m. on Thursday, March 3. The loser of the game will enter a consolation bracket and play at 1:15 p.m. on Thursday, March 3.

This year’s tournament features 34 teams in four divisions (Men’s and Women’s, Division I and II) playing 38 games between March 1 and 5. The Men’s Basketball team, coaches and support staff left campus on Monday to begin their tournament journey.

“Our team is past the initial thrill of a National Tournament bid and onto preparation for our first-round game,” Mike Holmes, UMPI Men’s Basketball Coach, said. “The players feel that we match up well with College of St. Joseph’s and I believe we will execute our style of play and have a solid chance.”

At Wednesday’s viewing party, organizers plan to be “loud and proud” as they celebrate the game. All are encouraged to wear their UMPI gear, blue and gold, and even their fan face paint. In addition, UMPI Athletics will provide snacks for the game.

For those who want to watch the game but aren’t able to join Owls fans in the Campus Center, a live stream of the game will be available at http://basketball.theuscaa.com. UMPI Sports Information Director Mike Pankow explained that if the team wins, future games will be streamed at this url.

For more information on the 2016 USCAA National Tournament, visit basketball.theuscaa.com.