BB: CW announces playoff tournament hosts

VANCOUVER - The University of Calgary, Mount Royal University, and the University of Lethbridge were announced as hosts of the 2021-22 Canada West men's and women's basketball playoff tournaments by the conference on Thursday.

The Dinos will host games on both the men's and women's sides of the playoff brackets at Jack Simpson Gym, the Cougars will host games from the women's bracket at MRU's Kenyon Court, and the Pronghorns will welcome in teams from the men's bracket to 1st Choice Savings Centre.

The tournaments are scheduled to run February 24-27, with the first, second and quarter-final rounds being played at the three host locations. The playoffs will then move to a Final Four with the top remaining seeds playing host.

"We are really excited to announce Calgary, Lethbridge and Mount Royal as hosts for the first three rounds of the playoff tournament," said Canada West Managing Director, Rocky Olfert.

"Bringing 34 men's and women's basketball teams to southern Alberta for these four days is going to provide a truly unique experience for our student-athletes. We know that all three members, along with their campuses and local communities, will do a fantastic job of hosting this event."

The Canada West previously announced changes to its regular season and playoff structure for the 2021-22 season on May 5. All 17 members will advance to the post-season tournament after playing exclusively within their regional divisions throughout the regular season.

The tournaments will both feature three rounds. Seeds 10-17 will open play in the first round, seeds 4-9 will get their first action in the second round, while the three divisional leaders will receive a bye through to the quarter-final round.

The top four teams from each bracket will advance to the Canada West Final Four, hosted by the highest remaining seed.

The Canada West men's and women's basketball seasons tip off Thursday, October 28 with a full slate of games set for opening weekend. All games during the regular season and throughout the playoffs are available live and on-demand on Canada West TV presented by Co-op.