May 19, 2011
LEXINGTON, Ky. – The UK men’s basketball team will host the St. John’s Red Storm on Dec. 1 in the 2011 Big East/SEC Challenge, ESPN announced on Thursday.
The Big East/SEC Challenge will feature all 12 schools in the SEC going up against 12 schools from the Big East over a three day period beginning Dec. 1.
“I’m excited about playing in the Big East/SEC Challenge,” UK head Coach John Calipari said. “The exposure of SEC basketball prior to conference play is important to our league and the opportunity to face St. John’s in Rupp Arena with their great tradition is unique. They have been recharged by a terrific coach in Steve Lavin and we look forward to the challenge.”
The Wildcats lead the all-time series against the Red Storm 10-5. However, the two haven’t met since the season opener of the 2000-01 season, a game won by St. John’s 62-61 in New York. The two haven’t met in Lexington since the 1979 season.
Only match ups and dates have been announced at this point. Game times and networks will be announced at a later date.
The event title will alternate to the SEC/Big East Challenge in 2012 and be played Thursday, Nov. 29 through Saturday, Dec. 1. SEC teams will alternate home and away games.
2011 Big East/SEC Challenge
Thursday, December 1st
- Georgetown at Alabama
- Providence at South Carolina
- St. John’s at Kentucky
- Ole Miss at DePaul
Friday, December 2nd
- Auburn at Seton Hall
- Florida at Syracuse
- Cincinnati at Georgia
- Vanderbilt at Louisville
Saturday, December 3rd
- Arkansas at Connecticut
- West Virginia at Mississippi State
- LSU at Rutgers
- Pittsburgh at Tennessee
