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The Battleground 2k19: College hoops event brings quality matchups, raising awareness about child abuse

When six college basketball teams make their way to Houston in December for The Battleground 2k19 event put on by U-Sports Group, with it will bring some great basketball for the fans.

But arguably the most important initiative from No. 16 Baylor, No. 17 Utah State, South Florida, Oregon State, UTSA and UT-Martin coming to Houston will be a campaign called Athletes Against Abuse.

"While in Houston, the 6 college basketball teams will spend time with local children's organizations to mentor, support and encourage children who have experienced abuse or abandonment," U-Sports Group President Rhossi Carron said. "It is our hope that the [a3] Initiative will start the conversation that sheds light on this heartbreaking epidemic. We truly believe that this campaign and associated activities will greatly impact the lives of abused children and be a rewarding experience for the collegiate athletes."

The [a3] Initiative, in connection with U-Sports Group, will strive to blur the lines between sport and service, inspiring athletes to use their talents, notoriety and influence to improve the lives of those around them. The [a3] Initiative will utilize The Battleground 2k platform to get college basketball programs involved to bring awareness to child abuse in our country.

To go along with raising awareness, fans will get a chance to see these teams in action in a one-day triple-header at the Toyota Center – the home of the Houston Rockets – on Wednesday, December 18.

"Having a nationally televised college basketball triple-header at the Toyota Center is something that we are extremely excited about," Carron said. "The Toyota Center is one of the country's premier sporting arenas and it will provide a playing atmosphere and fan experience that will be remembered. The college teams competing in The Battleground 2k19 are fired up about playing on an NBA court, while fans are excited about the opportunity to see three marquee games at an affordable price, in a state-of-theart facility like Toyota Center."

The day tips off with Oregon State vs UTSA at 4:30 p.m. followed by defending Mountain West Champion Utah State facing South Florida at 6:45 p.m. The night will be capped by Big 12 Conference's Baylor taking on UT Martin out of the Ohio Valley.

"The Battleground 2k Series will provide college basketball programs with an alternative to traditional MTE's and neutral-site events," Carron says. "Our platform was constructed to highlight relevant social issues, with the idea of using the power of sports to create change in our communities and in ourselves. Competing, not just for the sake of winning, but also for the cause of change, is at the heart of U-Sports Group and will be reflected in our sporting events."

Tickets for The Battleground 2k19 are currently on sale and can be purchased online at www.Battleground2k.com or www.ToyotaCenter.com.

Tickets will also be available at the Toyota Center box office. For group tickets and special rates for youth organizations and sports teams, please send inquiry to Tickets@ Battleground2k.com. The Battleground 2k19 is a premier basketball event owned and operated by U-Sports Group, LLC.