PIKEVILLE, Ky. -- Fall is winding down and winter is right around the corner, which also means its time for the annual Basketball Blast-Off, a night of fun and entertainment with the University of Pikeville men's and women's teams.

The event, which is free of charge and open to the public, starts at 7:30 p.m. ET on Wednesday at the UPIKE Gym. Free hot dogs, hamburgers, chips and drinks will be available then, with the action in the gym set to start at 8 p.m.

Aside from getting your first look at this season's teams, there are also plenty of activities planned, including dance offs, shooting contests and races. Posters for the men's and women's teams will also be provided with chances for fans of all ages to meet the student-athletes at the end of the night.

Both UPIKE teams were recently picked to finish fourth in the Mid-South Conference Preseason Coaches' Polls, and both expect to be included in the first NAIA top-25 polls of the season. The women are coming off their first trip to the NAIA Fab Four, while the men are fresh off a trip to the national tournament as well, but feature just four returning players.

There's no better time to get to know all the new faces and welcome in another exciting season of basketball than with the Blast-Off on Wednesday night.  

-UPIKE-