Midnight Madness II Tomorrow

NEW PALTZ — The second annual Midnight Madness basketball event will occur Thursday night at SUNY New Paltz’s Elting Gymnasium.

A longtime college basketball practice-opening event in Division I, it was first held at Division III New Paltz last fall.

This year’s edition, which begins at 11:15 p.m., occurs not on the first day of practice, but rather after the Hawk men’s and women’s basketball teams have been selected. This means the late night event will allow fans to meet the actual teams that they’ll be cheering for during the 2000-01 season.

A free raffle highlights the evening’s festivities. Ticket numbers will be selected, with lucky fans shooting for a variety of prizes, including a $5,000 grand prize.

In order to win the money, the selected individual will have to complete a layup, free throw, three-pointer and half-court shot by the expiration of a 24-second shot clock. Last year, student Tristan Tosh made a half-court shot to win $1,000.

Performances by the Kickline and Culture Shock dance groups will be featured, and DJ Swivulz will provide the music. Free pizza, popcorn and soda will be available for all in attendance.