For the fourth consecutive year, the University of Pennsylvania men’s basketball team will host a multi-team event at The Palestra during Thanksgiving weekend. This year’s Cathedral Classic will feature Hofstra, La Salle, and Merrimack joining Penn in University City.
The event will follow a round-robin format with doubleheaders scheduled for Friday, November 28; Saturday, November 29; and Sunday, November 30. Games on Friday and Saturday will begin at 2 p.m., while Sunday’s matches start at noon.
The schedule is as follows:
– Friday, Nov. 28: La Salle vs. Hofstra at 2 p.m., followed by Penn vs. Merrimack at 4:30 p.m.
– Saturday, Nov. 29: Hofstra vs. Merrimack at 2 p.m., followed by Penn vs. La Salle at 4:30 p.m.
– Sunday, Nov. 30: La Salle vs. Merrimack at noon, followed by Penn vs. Hofstra at 2:30 p.m.
La Salle joins Penn as the second Big 5 program to participate in this annual event’s four-year history. The Explorers finished last season with a record of 14-19 and are entering the new season under head coach Darris Nichols after Fran Dunphy’s retirement.
Merrimack is relatively new to Division I but had an impressive season last year with an overall record of 18-15 and a strong performance in the Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference (MAAC). Head coach Joe Gallo has led the Warriors through their transition from Division II to Division I.
Hofstra concluded last season with a record of 15-18 and has seen success in previous seasons under head coach Speedy Claxton, including an NIT bid in the past.
