The Maryville University men's basketball program will be honoring the 1996-97 team during the Saints game Saturday, Dec. 13, against Lindenwood. Tip-off is slated for 3 p.m. at Moloney Arena.
 
The 1996-97 team was the first Saints men's basketball team to qualify for the NCAA Tournament. The team posted a 10-4 record in the St. Louis Intercollegiate Athletic Conference and 17 wins overall. Maryville won three games in the SLIAC Tournament, including a 79-75 win over top-seed Blackburn in the championship game. Members of the team included all-time leading scorer Henry Shannon as well as other Saints Hall of Famers Keith Pittillo and John Jones. All three still rank in the Maryville top 10 in career scoring.
 
Current Maryville head coach Kevin Carroll, staff and student-athletes will be presenting a special gift to coach Dennis Kruse and the many players and staff from that squad who are expected to be in attendance at the game.
 
Prior to the game, members of the 1996-97 team will gather for a team photo and a private team celebration. At halftime, the team will be officially recognized during a special ceremony. After the game, the 1996-97 team, family and friends will gather with the current coaching staff and student-athletes at Scarecrow Pub and Grill – 1095 Chesterfield Parkway E; Chesterfield, MO; 63107.
 
For more information, please contact Kevin Carroll at (314) 529-6848 or kjcarroll@maryville.edu