Detroit women's basketball comes away with win and cultural experience at Cancun Carribean Classic

Jan. 8, 2007

The Detroit women's basketball team went 1-1 on the court in Cancun, Mexico, but the team did much more than play basketball on its recent trip.

Taking part in the Cancun Caribbean Classic, the Titans played East Carolina and SMU on the hardwood in addition to getting a chance to visit another country and learn about its history and culture. 

The Moon Palace Resort created a makeshift arena in the hotel by putting a basketball court in a second floor ballroom. With three rows of raised seating on each side and chandeliers on the ceiling, it created an intimate atmosphere for the competition.  The Titans got out of the gates slowly, dropping their first game 73-50 to SMU, but then got on track with a 54-50 victory over East Carolina in their finale.

Although much of the team's time was spent thinking and playing basketball, the last day of the trip was reserved for a special experience.  The team traveled 80 miles south of Cancun to the city of Tulum to visit the ancient Mayan ruins. 

Tulum served as a major port for trade in the Mayan empire, sitting on the Caribbean Sea.  The city was abandoned at the end of the 16^th century, but has now become one of the most visited historical sites in all of Mexico. 

"It was a great experience for them to be out of the country," said head coach Mickey Barrett.  "We were able to take them to some Mayan ruins which they thoroughly enjoyed. The tournament was exceptionally well run and the competition was excellent, so not only were we able to see a beautiful place, we were able to compete at a high level."

Through basketball, the players on the Detroit women's basketball team was able to experience another country and learn about its history and culture while picking up another win in the process.