College basketball roundup: Fox to air carrier game, Maryland's Wells eligible
Fox Sports will offer Sunday's college basketball game between Syracuse and San Diego State played on the flight deck of the USS Midway aircraft carrier to its stations across the country.
The "Battle on the Midway," originally scheduled for Friday, will start Sunday at 4 p.m. EST. Pregame coverage is set to begin at 3 p.m.
"We remain committed to producing and televising this great matchup to viewers in San Diego and to college basketball fans across the country," said Henry Ford, senior vice president and general manager of Fox Sports San Diego. "The players' safety and the integrity of the game are the primary concerns, so we're more than happy to work with San Diego State and Syracuse to accommodate the schedule change."
---Maryland received a boost Wednesday when the NCAA ruled that Xavier transfer Dez Wells is eligible to play immediately for the Terrapins.
Maryland officials announced that the school's request for a waiver was granted by a subcommittee of athletic administrators from around the country. Wells was dismissed from Xavier this summer for violating the student code of conduct.
A grand jury refused to indict Wells on a sexual assault charge in Ohio. No criminal charges were filed against him and the school's decision to expel him was criticized.
A recruiting battle ensued over the summer for Wells and he chose Maryland over several other high-profile programs.
The sophomore forward is expected to start for Maryland, which opens its season Friday night against Kentucky in the new Barclays Center in Brooklyn.
After averaging 9.8 points and 4.9 rebounds and starting 32 games for Xavier last season. Wells has the potential to make an immediate impact.
"We're very happy for Dez as the NCAA legislative relief process provided him with complete and fair due process," Maryland athletic director Kevin Anderson said. "Our staff was personally invested in the NCAA waiver and appeal process because it was in the best interest of our student-athlete. We're pleased that Dez will be able to move forward and experience all the opportunities that come with being a student-athlete at the University of Maryland."
