FAIRFIELD, Conn. – The Fairfield University basketball community will honor two basketball teams and a former men's basketball coach as part of the February 19 doubleheader at the Webster Bank Arena at Harbor Yard. The men's basketball team hosts Austin Peay University at 1 pm in a Sears Bracketbusters game, while the women's team hosts Loyola University at approximately 3:30 pm.

Fred Barakat, who passed away last June, will be remembered for his contributions to the men's basketball program during halftime of the men's game. In-between games, the 1985-86 men's basketball team will celebrate the 25th anniversary of Fairfield's first NCAA Division I tournament bid. The 2000-01 women's basketball team will celebrate the 10th anniversary of its at-large berth to the NCAA Division I tournament, the first-ever at-large berth for the Stags, during halftime of the women's game.

“Fairfield University has a rich men's and women's basketball tradition,” Athletics Director Gene Doris said. “We are very happy to bring back these two teams and celebrate their accomplishments. I am honored that the Barakat family and many of Fred's former players will come back to help us remember one of the architects of our men's basketball program.”

Barakat was the head coach at Fairfield University for 11 seasons, and finished his career with 160 victories, more than any coach in Fairfield University history. He led the Stags to three NIT bids and coached the program to its first-ever postseason win in the 1973 NIT.

The 1985-86 men's basketball team swept through the Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference (MAAC) tournament after capturing the regular-season title with a 13-1 record. Fairfield drew the University of Illinois in the Stags' first-ever NCAA tournament game.

The 2000-01 women's basketball team advanced to the MAAC championship game but came up two points short against Siena College. Still, the Stags posted wins against Wisconsin-Green Bay, Miami (Fla.), and Boston College during the year which helped them garner an at-large bid and a date with the University of Utah in the NCAA tournament.

The doubleheader will also be part of Pack The House Pink, presented by Swim Across the Sound. The annual event supports Breast Cancer Awareness. Fans are invited to use the code word SWIM when buying a ticket at the box office or online. When using that word, 50 percent of the ticket purchase will go to Swim Across the Sound.

Tickets for the basketball doubleheader may be purchased at the Webster Bank Arena at Harbor Yard box office or online at www.ticketmaster.com. For further information about tickets, please call the Fairfield University ticket office at (203) 254-4136.