MEADVILLE, Pa. – The Allegheny men's and women's basketball teams are excited to be hosting the sixth annual Greg Richards '08 Memorial Classic, presented by Marquette Savings Bank, Nov. 17-18 at the David V. Wise Center.

The two-day, eight-team classic is named in honor of Greg Richards, a 2008 Allegheny College graduate and four-year basketball letterman, who succumbed to cancer Feb. 21, 2012.

"This is an event that we all look forward to each year," said Allegheny Director of Athletics Portia Hoeg.  "We are honored to be able to help carry on Greg's legacy, and we are excited to welcome back his family, friends, and teammates.

Eight games will be played in the Wise Center over the two days, as men's squads from Houghton, Stevenson and Washington & Jefferson will join the Gators, while the Allegheny women will welcome Carnegie Mellon, Fredonia, and Penn State-Behrend.

Throughout the weekend, donations and all ticket proceeds will go to the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center's Hillman Cancer Center in honor of Richards.

"Every year, this is such a great event," said Allegheny men's basketball head coach Bob Simmons.  "We are happy to be able to help in celebrating Greg's life, and it's an honor to be able to share such a special weekend with his friends and family."   

Women's basketball head coach Kate Costanzo echoed her counterpart's sentiments.

"It has always been a great way to tip off the season," she said. "Fans will be treated to some very good basketball over the two days, while we are very humbled to be able to honor Greg's memory and support such a great cause."

The weekend's action begin on Fri. Nov. 17 at 1 p.m., with the Carnegie Mellon women facing off against Fredonia, while the 3 p.m. game pits the men's squads from Washington & Jefferson and Stevenson.  The Gator women take on Penn State-Behrend on Friday at 5 p.m., and Carnegie Mellon on Saturday at 3 p.m., while the Gator men face off against Houghton on Friday at 7 p.m., and Washington & Jefferson on Saturday at 5 p.m.

Tickets for the 2017 Greg Richards '08 Memorial Classic, presented by Marquette Savings Bank, are $5 per day for adults, and $3 for non-Allegheny students.  They can be purchased at the door.