Team set to play in Legends Classic

The UConn men’s basketball team has set its first two dates for the 2020-21 season, signing on to play in the reconfigured Legends Classic at Mohegan Sun, Dec. 2 and 3.

The Huskies will be joined by Vanderbilt, Southern California and BYU in the event, which was originally scheduled to be played in late November at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn and include Notre Dame.

As organizers were moving the tournament to Mohegan Sun, where a COVID-safe bubble environment will be in place, Notre Damepulled out and was replaced by BYU. The times and pairings for the games will be announced at a later date, the Gazelle Group, which runs the tournament, announced. Refunds for tickets purchased for Barclays will be automatically refunded.

The Legends is one of several such events moved into Mohegan Sun. The UConn women, along with Quinnipiac, will play there

Nov. 27 and 28 in the Hall of Fame Showcase.

With these two games, the Huskies will be halfway to the NCAA-recommended four nonconference games. By playing in a “multi-team event,” UConn can schedule as many as 27 games, including 20 Big East conference games and seven out of conference. Games against in-state, mid-major opponents Sacred Heart and Central Connecticut are most likely to be scheduled, but UConn is waiting for at least part of the Big East scheduling plans to be known before going ahead.

It is possible that a limited number of fans may be allowed to attend games, sitting in the upper level of the arena. Tickets and information will also be announced at a later date.

Southern Cal comes off a 22-9 season, Vanderbilt was 11-21 and BYU 24-8. The Huskies come off a 19-12 season, their last in the American Athletic Conference.