More college games set for US ships

The original Carrier Classic was staged last November 11 on the US Veterans Day holiday aboard the USS Carl Vinson, which sent Osama bin Laden to his underwater grave, just off San Diego.

North Carolina beat Michigan State 67-55 on a hardwood court laid on the flight deck that launched US warplanes to bomb targets in Iraq and Afghanistan.

Florida and Georgetown confirmed on Friday that they will play next November 9 on a ship offshore from Naval Station Mayport in Jacksonville, Florida, with the full backing of the US Navy.

"This is a unique opportunity to showcase the Navy and join together to honor our veterans and active duty military," US Secretary of the Navy Ray Mabus said. "The Navy is excited to (support) the Navy-Marine Corps Classic."

There was no announcement of what ship would host the game.

"It will be an incredible learning experience for all involved with our program," Georgetown coach John Thompson III said. "We appreciate the opportunity to participate."

The opening day of the US college basketball season will also see Marquette and Ohio State meet on a ship just off Charleston, South Carolina, and San Diego State face Syracuse on the flight deck of the retired ship USS Midway near San Diego.