CHARLESTON, S.C. - Continuing a commitment to enhancing the non-conference schedule and increased national exposure, the University of Dayton Flyers were announced as a part of the 2012 DIRECTV Charleston Classic eight-team field.

Dayton will be a part of a competitive field that includes Baylor, Boston College, Charleston, Colorado, St. John’s and Southern Illinois. An eighth team will be announced at a later date.

"Playing in tournaments like this fit perfectly in our basketball scheduling model," UD Vice-President and Director of Athletics Tim Wabler said. "It gives us games against teams from high RPI conferences, on a neutral court, in areas of the country that we have alumni or at locations that our fans enjoy traveling to. The fact that these games are televised nationally are great for the basketball program and the University."

Five of the seven teams announced reached the 2011 postseason. St. John’s earned a second-round berth to the NCAA Championship, while Colorado, Boston College, Charleston and Dayton each played in the 2011 NIT.

“Dayton provides good competitive balance to any early-season field,” ESPN Senior Director of Events Clint Overby said. “Their strong fan base along with their ability to travel make them an attractive team for any of our tournaments. We have been pleased with our relationship with Dayton and look forward to hosting them in future events.”

The 2012 DIRECTV Charleston Classic Presented by Foster Grant, is set to be held Thursday, Friday and Sunday, Nov. 15, 16 & 18, at TD Arena in Charleston, S.C.

The tournament will feature 12 games over the three days. Each team will compete in one game per day, advancing through a bracket-tournament format. The two teams that remain undefeated throughout will face off in a championship match Sunday, Nov. 20.

The Charleston Classic is owned and operated by ESPN Regional Television (ERT), a subsidiary of ESPN. Another ESPN event is the Old Spice Classic. UD hosts UNC Wilmington Saturday at 2 p.m. ET, before traveling to Orlando for the 2011 Old Spice Classic. The Flyers will play Wake Forest in the first round on ESPN2.

Travel information
The Charleston Classic is a family-friendly tournament offering the teams a week of practice, play and experiences in-and-around historic Charleston. Additional information, including travel packages, can be found on the Charleston Classic Web site at http://www.charlestonclassic.com.

Fans can purchase official hotel accommodations and game tickets by going to http://www.anthonytravel.com/espn/charleston-classic or by calling 888-632-6951. For more information on the event, go to www.charlestonclassic.com and for event updates, follow on Twitter and http://www.facebook.com/charlestonclassic.