ATHENS, Ohio -- The Ohio Sports Network will kick off the 2000-01 television schedule by broadcasting Ohio University's men's basketball home game vs. the University of Wisconsin at 3 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 8.

The game will be shown statewide on the Ohio News Network and in southeastern Ohio, West Virginia and northern Kentucky by WSAZ-TV in Huntington, W.Va. The game also will be carried by WMLW-TV in Milwaukee and WISC-TV in Madison, Wis.

Ohio University Associate Vice President for Communications and Marketing Hub Burton will serve as play-by-play commentator, while former Western Michigan University Head Basketball Coach Bob Donewald and ex-Bobcat player Chad Estis will provide the color commentary.

The game marks Ohio University Employee and City Employee Appreciation Day as well as Educational Outreach Day. University and city employees will receive one free ticket for every one purchased, while all Athens elementary and middle school students will receive a free voucher for two free tickets.

Tickets can be purchased for $8 at the Ohio University Athletics Ticket Office by calling (740) 593-1300 or 1-800-575-CATS. For more information about the OSN television schedule call the Ohio University Broadcasting and Media Relations Office at (740) 593-1190.