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NEW ORLEANS - The New Orleans men's and women's basketball programs hosted a successful Mid-Day Madness event at the Human Performance Center on Thursday.
Both teams were introduced to the crowd which predominantly featured members of the student body, as well as UNO faculty and staff.
Though no one walked away with the big prizes of trips to Las Vegas or New Jersey, UNO students Janai Garrison and Willie Marsalis successfully won their respective free throws contests to claim a $300 book voucher to the University Bookstore.
UNO baseball coach Bruce Peddie and tennis coach
Burzis Kanga were the 'celebrity' servers for the day, helping serve the jambalaya provided by proud UNO alum Chef Emile Stieffel of Aurora Catering and Ck1 Catering's Helen McGee. Raising Cane's provided free chicken.
Lastly, a special presentation occurred mid-way through the event as UNO employee Elizabeth Bourgeois presented Privateer men's basketball coach
Mark Slessinger with a personalized apron to wear when visiting the University Center Cafeteria. Slessinger is known to make appearances behind the counter serving students, particularly on game day.
The 2012-13 basketball season will tip off on Friday, Nov. 9 at Lakefront Arena. The Lady Privateers open the night with a 6 p.m. contest against Northwestern State with the UNO men's basketball team to follow at 8 p.m.
The season-opening evening will feature a 'Privateer Fan Fest' which will include fun and games, in addition to live music and various vendors. Fans are encouraged to set up their own tailgate within the 'Tailgate Village' at the event, which gets underway at 4:30 p.m.
Season tickets are presently on-sale and can be purchased by visiting The Athletic Center (6601 Franklin Ave.), calling (504) 280-GAME or e-mailing
unotickets@uno.edu. Individual game tickets go on-sale Monday, Nov. 5 and can be purchased at that time via the Lakefront Arena Ticket Box Office or on TicketMaster.com.
UNO Head Men's Basketball Coach Mark Slessinger and Chef Emile Stieffel
UNO Head Women's Basketball Coach Keeshawn Carter
UNO Assistant Men's Basketball Coach Kris Arkenberg
UNO Junior Forward Melissa Jensen
UNO Freshman Guard Yasmin Taylor
