Dillard Bleu and White Game Set for Thursday, Sept. 27 at 7 PM

DR. BARNES (L) AND DR. KIMBROUGH (R)TO SERVE AS GUEST HEAD COACHES

NEW ORLEANS  – With the start of the Dillard basketball season rapidly approaching, the Bleu Devils will host their fourth annual Bleu and White game Thursday, Sept. 27 at 7 p.m. in Dent Hall.

"We started this tradition three years ago and I thought it would be fun to get Dr. Kimbrough and Dr. Barnes involved," head coach Mike Newell said. "They both are big basketball fans and both are extremely competitive.

Bleu and White Roster

The intra-squad scrimmage will feature a split squad with eight student-athletes on each team. For the fourth-consecutive year, Dillard University President Dr. Walter M. Kimbrough and athletic director Dr. Kiki Baker Barnes will serve as guest head coaches. Dr. Barnes will coach the Bleu team, while Dr. Kimbrough is set to coach the white team.

"Our players and coaches take this game very seriously and it is always a great atmosphere because of our fans. We bring in GCAC referees and the event is treated like a real game," Newell said.

2017 Bleu and White Game

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Walter M. Kimbrough

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Dr. Barnes holds a 2-1 lead in the series winning the inaugural game in 2015 by two (92-90) and the second game in 2016 by three (100-97). However, last year game was not as close as the first two as Dr. Kimbrough got his first win with a seven-point victory (96-89).

The Bleu and White game is free of charge and all seating areas are general admission on a first come, first serve basis. The 2019-19 Dillard Cheer Devils will make their debut with a special performance at halftime. The event will be hosted by Iso and DJ Retro.

"This game gives our fans a sneak peek into the 2018-19 Dillard men's basketball team. It should be a lot of fun and I'm looking forward to it," Newell said.

The Bleu Devils return three letter winners from a team that finished last season 21-10 overall and ranked No. 18 in the final NAIA Division I Men's Basketball Coaches' Poll (March 7, 2018). The Bleu Devils won the 2018 GCAC regular season and tournament titles en route to making their third-consecutive trip to the NAIA Tournament. Dillard has won 20-plus games the past three seasons.

Dillard opens the 2018-19 campaign at home on Thursday, Oct. 25 against Loyola (La.).

Keep up with all the latest news and information on the Bleu Devils by following Dillard Athletics on Twitter at @GeauxDU, Facebook at Facebook.com/dillardbleudevils/ and Instagram at Instagram.com/dillardbleudevils/.

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