The Felix Event Center is expected to alive with the "Blackout" for the opening of the 2009-10 season this weekend.

Published

November 12, 2009

AZUSA, Calif. -- The 23rd Annual Cougar Classic tips off the new season when 4 nationally-ranked teams converge on the Felix Event Center this weekend.

The action begins tonight with a pair of games.  Biola University takes on Evergreen State University at 5:30 p.m. followed by the feature game of the night when Azusa Pacific hosts Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University at 7:30 p.m.

The Classic continues Saturday afternoon.  Biola meets Embry-Riddle at 1 p.m. followed by the Azusa Pacific-Evergreen State game at 3 p.m.

All 4 teams are nationally-ranked in their resprective NAIA Polls.  Biola is No. 17 and Azusa Pacific is No. 24 in the Divison I Coaches Presason Poll, while Embry-Riddle is No. 14 and Evergreen State is No. 22 in the Division II Coaches Preason Poll.

Evergreen State, which was 20-12 last year, arrives from Olympia, Wash.  Embry-Riddle of Daytona Beach, Fla., was 25-8 in 2008-09.  Meanwhile, Golden State Athletic Conference rivals Biola and Azusa Pacific were 22-10 and 24-10, respectively, last year.

Tickets for the games are $7 for adults, $5 for seniors and students with ID.  Children under 10 are free.  Azusa Pacific faculty/staff/students are free with university ID.

Live stats are available for all 4 games.  In addition, the Embry-Riddle games can be heard live on Internet radio while Azusa Pacific's Saturday game will be carried live on KAPU.