Arkansas versus Lamar

FAYETTEVILLE – The University of Arkansas women’s basketball team was selected to participate in and host a first round game in the Women’s National Invitational Tournament it was announced tonight.

The Razorbacks (19-11) were selected with an at-large pick to the tournament and face Lamar (25-7) in the first round of the 64-team tournament. The game is scheduled for Thursday, March 17, at 7:00 p.m. in Bud Walton Arena.

"We are excited to be able to continue to play basketball this year," Arkansas head coach Tom Collen said. "Our players have worked really hard since our last game and they are excited for the next opportunity. We all just want the chance to get back on the floor and continue to grow as a team and see what we can accomplish with what we’ve been given."

Tickets for the game go on sale Tuesday morning. Razorback season ticket holders have until 6 p.m. Tuesday evening to reserve their seats. Reserved seats are $11 for the game. General admission adult tickets are $7 and general admission youth tickets are $6. The first 250 UA students to the North ticket window will be admitted for free, and general admission student tickets will be on sale for just $1. Tickets can be purchased on-line at ArkansasRazorbacks.com or by calling 800-982-4647.

Arkansas’ 2011 WNIT appearance is the fifth in program history. The Razorbacks won the WNIT title in 1999, with five wins, all in Bud Walton Arena. The Razorbacks hosted a program and state record for women’s basketball attendance with 14,163 fans through the gates to watch Arkansas defeat Wisconsin in the title game.

The Razorbacks reached the semifinals in 2000, the second round in 2005 and the third round in 2009 under Collen.

That season, Collen’s first as the head coach for the Razorbacks, saw Arkansas receive a first round bye. They faced Oklahoma State, getting a thrilling 61-60 overtime win over the Cowgirls to advance.

Arkansas went on the road losing at Kansas in the third round that year.

The Lady Cardinals are making their second consecutive postseason appearance after advancing to the NCAA Tournament last year.

"We obviously have not had a chance to study them yet," Collen said, "but we are familiar with Lamar’s program. They have had a lot of success over the years and I think this is a great match up for us. They are a really good team and a tough first round opponent."

Download: 2011 WNIT Bracket.pdf