Horizon League, ESPN Announce 2012-13 Men's Basketball TV Schedule

Horizon League Men's Basketball TV Schedule (Release)

INDIANAPOLIS -- As part of their long-term relationship, the Horizon League and ESPN have announced that a minimum of 39 men’s basketball games involving League schools will air nationally on ESPN Networks during the 2012-13 season.

“ESPN continues to be a tremendous partner of the Horizon League and its fans,” said Commissioner Jon LeCrone. “We also applaud ESPN for all it has done to benefit and bring exposure to college basketball.”

“The Horizon League is an important part of our overall college basketball coverage and we look forward to showcasing another season of great action,” said Nick Dawson, director, ESPN programming and acquisitions.

The Horizon League once again will be a centerpiece of ESPNU’s Friday night coverage, starting on Jan. 4 when defending regular season champion Valparaiso hosts Cleveland State.

In all, there will be 16 games featuring League teams showcased on ESPN, ESPN2, or ESPNU in 2012-13, beginning with Youngstown State’s trip to Georgia on Nov. 12 and concluding with the Horizon League championship game on Tuesday, March 12 (ESPN or ESPN2).

The Horizon League’s national telecast package is highlighted by a pair of clashes between Detroit and Valparaiso - the teams that met in the 2012 League championship game - including a “Rivalry Week” showdown on Feb. 16.

In non-conference play, both Valparaiso and Detroit will participate in ESPN’s 24 Hours of Hoops, with the Crusaders hosting Northern Illinois at 8 a.m. ET and the Titans traveling to St. John’s for a 2 p.m. ET tip. The defending conference champion, Detroit, will also be showcased on Dec. 17, when it meets Syracuse.

Horizon League teams also will be featured on the ESPN networks BracketBusters weekend, Feb. 22-24.

The award-nominated Horizon League Network Game of the Week will return on Saturday, Jan. 5, when Detroit hosts Green Bay. The eight-game schedule will feature all nine League teams on the weekly broadcasts, which will be carried in all nine League markets and on ESPN3.

As the season approaches, check the schedule on HorizonLeague.com or follow the Horizon League on Twitter (@HorizonLeague) for additional non-conference telecasts along with local and regional telecast information from the conference and its member institutions.

2012-13 Horizon League TV Schedule