March 17, 2004

COLUMBUS, Ohio ---- The UAB men's basketball team, in its first NCAA Tournament since 1999, arrived in Columbus, Ohio on Wednesday in preparation for its first-round game Friday night against Washington. The Blazers arrived in the Ohio state capital to approximately two inches of snow already on the ground and light snow falling.

The Blazers (20-9), a ninth seed in the tournament, will face the No. 8 seed Washington Huskies (19-11) at approximately 9:40 p.m. EST, or 30 minutes after the Kentucky/Florida A&M contest.

"The new season is about to start" UAB head coach Mike Anderson said. "From this point on, it is a one-game season. We have a tough game with Washington on Friday, so we have got to stay focused."

The afternoon session in Columbus features first round matchups between Illinois and Murray State, 12:25 p.m. EST; and Cincinnati going against East Tennessee State, 30 minutes following Illinois-Murray State game.

UAB will practice in Nationwide Arena from 8:10-9 p.m. EST on Thursday night. The practice is open to the public and media.