LORMAN &8212; Alcorn State will play Texas in the first round of the 2K Sports College Hoops Classic, officials announced Tuesday.

The Braves and Longhorns will play Nov. 9 in the regional round. St. Bonaventure and Chicago State are the other teams in the four-team pod playing in Austin, Texas.

The four regional winners advance to the semifinals in New York on Nov. 16 with the championship the following night.

Alcorn State head coach Samuel West said his team would be unafraid to go up against the Longhorns, who were ranked as high as No. 2 in the land last season on their way to an Elite Eight finish.

&8220;We look forward to playing them,&8221; West said. &8220;We have a couple of kids on the team from Texas in the Houston and Dallas area. It&8217;ll be a huge challenge for us, but what better way to start off the season is there than playing one of the best teams in the country?&8221;

The Braves finished the 2005-2006 season with a record of 8-20. Texas closed out its campaign with a record of 30-7.

West also noted that traveling around the country to play top competition is nothing new for the Braves.

&8220;We traveled across the country last year and played some tough competition like South Florida, Arizona State, and others, and we can do it again. It&8217;s a good way to get ready for conference play.&8221;

Whether the Braves win or lose, they will get one more game against either Chicago State or St. Bonaventure the following day.

The other 12 teams participating are New Orleans, Vermont, Hampton, Maryland, Youngstown State, Central Michigan, Brown, Michigan State, Navy, North Florida, St. John&8217;s and Loyola, Md.

The tournament benefits the Coaches vs. Cancer program, and West said that was an even better reason to involve his team.

&8220;(Benefiting Coaches vs. Cancer) is the other thing,&8221; he said. &8220;You&8217;re playing in the Coaches vs. Cancer Classic and it&8217;s for a good cause. That&8217;s a bigger thing than basketball.&8221;

West also wished to note that his basketball camp, which was scheduled for July 16-19, will now take place from July 23-26.

For those wishing to attend the camp this summer, visit the Alcorn State sports Web site at www.alcornsports.com/home for more information.

The Associated Press contributed to this story