Pepperdine Plays Colorado State in Tournament

Pepperdine (5-3) will meet Colorado State (6-1) at 3 p.m. (PST) today in the opening game of Tennessee’s 22nd annual Volunteer basketball tournament in the new 25,000-seat Thompson-Boling Arena at Knoxville, Tenn.

In the second game, Tennessee (5-1) will play Army (3-3) at about 5 p.m. On Tuesday, the consolation game will start at 3 p.m., and the championship game at about 5. The Volunteers have won their tournament 18 times, including the last 8.

Pepperdine is led by Tom Lewis, who is averaging 23.8 points a game, and Levy Middlebrooks, who is averaging 17.1 points and 11.1 rebounds.

Three Army players average in double figures: guard Derrick Canada (12.8 points), guard Ron Wilson (12.5) and center Todd Matson (10.8 and 8.5 rebounds). Colorado State, coached by Boyd Grant, the former Fresno State coach, is led by forward Pat Durham (16.9 points) and guard David Turcotte (17.6). Tennessee scoring leaders are forward DyronNix (21.8 and 9 rebounds) and guard Greg Bell (15.5).