The two-night men’s college basketball event begins with the Red Storm’s doubleheader on Wednesday, Dec. 9, at The Garden. The matchups feature the Bulldogs and St. John’s at 7 p.m. on ESPN2, followed by Kentucky vs. Connecticut at 9:30 p.m. on ESPN.

“The SEC/BIG EAST Invitational gives us another great opportunity to play an exciting game at The Garden,” said head men’s basketball coach Norm Roberts. “It’s a great matchup against a power conference school, and we’re looking forward to an outstanding game against Georgia.”

On Thursday, Dec. 10, at the St. Pete Times Forum in Tampa, DePaul will take on Mississippi State at 6:30 p.m. on ESPN2, followed by Syracuse vs. Florida at 9 p.m. on ESPN.

Six of the eight participating teams reached the postseason in 2008-09, with Connecticut, Mississippi State and Syracuse playing in the NCAA Tournament. The Orange made it to the Sweet Sixteen, while the Huskies advanced to the Final Four. Florida and Kentucky played in the National Invitation Tournament, while St. John’s played in the College Basketball Invitational.

Teams invited to participate in the SEC/BIG EAST Invitational are chosen by ESPN in consultation with the conferences and are based on geographic and competitive criteria.

The BIG EAST holds a 5-3 record in the first two years of the SEC/BIG EAST Invitational. The two conferences have combined to produce four of the last seven NCAA men's basketball champions (Florida - 2007 and 2006; Connecticut - 2004; Syracuse - 2003) and seven of the last 14 national champions (Connecticut - 1999; Kentucky - 1998 and 1996).

Tickets for the 2009 SEC/BIG EAST Invitational are expected to go on sale in early September. For more information, visit the official Web site: secbigeastinvitational.com.