Wednesday, January 12, 2011

MACON, Ga. - The 127th edition of the "Battle of the Boulevard" featuring Belmont and Lipscomb returns to the ESPN family of networks when ESPN3.com airs the Thursday contest at 7:30 pm CT.

The “Battle of the Boulevard” series immediately rose to in stature to become the A-Sun’s most competitive rivalry since the two Nashville-based universities joined the Atlantic Sun over the past 10 years. Since the series resumed in 2004, it has produced five overtime contests. No other series in the country has featured as many OT games.

This meeting marks the second time the Bisons and Bruins have appeared on the ESPN family of networks. The two battled for the conference’s automatic bid in the title game of the 2006 General Shale Brick Atlantic Sun Championship. Through 20 minutes, the two finished tied at 31. At the end of regulation, they played to 58-58 stalemate. In overtime, the Bruins finally pulled out the win, 74-69. Justin Hare poured in 32 points en route to earning the first of two Tournament MVP awards of his illustrious career. Dave Weekley will handle the play-by-play while former Vanderbilt sharp-shooter Barry Booker will provide the analysis. The game will not be available on ASun.TV, per agreement.

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The Atlantic Sun Conference is an 11-member league committed to Building Winners for Life. The A-Sun stands for achievement with integrity in both the academic and athletic arenas, with a focus on the balance between the two for our student-athletes. Headquartered in Macon, Ga., the A-Sun boasts five of the top eight media markets in the Southeast. The A-Sun includes a blend of the most prestigious and dynamic private and public institutions in the region: Belmont University, Campbell University, East Tennessee State University, Florida Gulf Coast University, Jacksonville University, Kennesaw State University, Lipscomb University, Mercer University, University of North Florida, University of South Carolina Upstate and Stetson University.