SDSU WOMEN'S BASKETBALL TEAM ADVANCES TO NCAA POST-SEASON FOR 1ST TIME IN 12 YEARS

March 19, 2009 (San Diego)--San Diego State University's women's basketball team, the Aztecs, will play in the NCAA Basketball Championships for the first time since 1997 and the seventh time in the team's history. The team will face off against DePaul University's Blue Demons at 5 p.m. at Cox Arena on Saturday.

"To be able to play at home against an obviously great DePaul team that tied for fourth in the Big East, it will be a great opportunity," SDSU head coach Beth Burns said. "I know San Diego will be here. I think our opportunity is that we're going to ask our fans, `Calling all Aztecs. Come show the NCAA that we want to have this tournament here early and often." She predicted Saturday's game will be a "great match up" and added, "It's a great opportunity. We're thrilled with our seed."

The game will be broadcast live on ESPN2 TV and on Xtra Sports 1360 radio. Live stats may be viewed at www.goaztecs.com. On Friday, tournament practices on Friday will be open to the public. For details and schedule, see http://goaztecs.cstv.com/sports/w-baskbl/spec-rel/031809aac.htmlsee. SDSU is among three Mountain West Conference schools to earn bids to the championships, along with Utah and Texas Christian University.

The Aztecs lost to Utah in the Mountain West Conference championship game in Las Vegas, but have won 16 straight games on their home court and finished the season 14-0 at SDSU's Cox Arena (which will be renamed Viejas Arena in July). The Aztecs earned a No. 10 seed and will defend their home court against no. 7 seeded DePaul. The winner will advance to compete against whichever teams wins a matchup between Stanford and U.C. Santa Barbara on Monday. Winner of that match will earn a spot in the Berkeley regional March 28 and 30.

Tickets to the NCAA women's basketball first and second rounds cost $17 for single sessions for adults and $12 for youths 14 and under, as well as for military. All session tickets cost $32 for adults and $22 for youths. Parking is free and fans are requested to park in parking structure PS-4. Tickets are available at Cox Arena Box Office, Aztec Ticket Office at Qualcomm Stadium window E, or by calling (619)283-7378. Tickets may also be ordered online at www.ticketmaster.com.