EVANSVILLE, Ind. – Basketball season is officially upon us as the University of Evansville men's and women's basketball teams held their annual Hoopfest event at the Ford Center on Thursday evening.
 
Strong fan support made the event a huge success as the teams participated in 10-minute scrimmages, a 3-point shooting contest as well as a dunk contest.  Following the festivities, both teams signed autographs for fans. 

For a full recap along with photos from the event, visit UEAthleticsBlog.com.
 
In the women's scrimmage, it was Kat Taylor registering 10 points while leading the orange team to a 24-17 victory over the purple.  Taylor also had steals on back-to-back possessions.
 
Leading the way for the men was Ryan Sawvell as he drained a pair of threes en route to an 11-point effort in a 29-9 victory for the purple.  Adam Wing chipped in eight tallies.
 
A new format took place in the 3-point contest as three teams were each comprised of a men's player, women's player and a fan.  It was a pair of freshmen leading the way as Blake Simmons and Kenzie Gustin along with fan Connor Gustin posting 13 points.  The other teams finished with six apiece and feature Mallory Ladd/Adam Wing and Khristian Hart/D.J. Balentine.
 
An always entertaining feature of Hoopfest is the slam dunk contest.  Taking part in that were Jaylon Brown, Jaylon Moore and Ryan Sawvell.  Brown outdueled his teammates, taking the win with scores of 46, 50 and 47.  Sawvell was runner up with scores of 44, 50 and 46.  Three women's players along with two guest judges handed out the scores.
 
Brown utilized the help of Blake Simmons while Bryce Weiler tossed the ball to Sawvell on his attempt.  Duane Gibson helped with the efforts of Moore.
 
It was a great event for all who attended and we look forward to that kind of support from our fan base for the duration of the season!