MANHATTAN, Kan. - Missouri State University and Kansas State University have formally announced plans for a men's basketball exhibition game this Saturday (Oct. 21) to benefit the American Red Cross' hurricane relief efforts. The game will tip off at 12 p.m. at Bramlage Coliseum in Manhattan.
 
In lieu of admission, K-State Athletics is suggesting fans contribute $5 per person to the Red Cross' on-going disaster relief. Staff will also accept cash donations on site, and shopping carts will be provided at the northwest and northeast entrances for fans who choose to contribute non-perishable food items.
 
NCAA regulations prohibit Division I programs from playing on the road for preseason exhibitions. However, the game was granted an exemption from the NCAA to be played on K-State's campus as a charity event.
 
"Life is about giving back and serving others in need," said MSU head coach Paul Lusk. "This is a great opportunity for our program to do that. We are excited to partner with Kansas State in the hurricane relief efforts."
 
The NCAA waiver will also allow the Bears to retain their home exhibition game, which is slated for Wednesday, Nov. 1 at JQH Arena against Southwest Baptist University at 7 p.m.
 
"We are grateful that the NCAA has given us a chance to help those in need with this game," said MSU Director of Athletics Kyle Moats. "We have been working on this for a couple of weeks, and we were elated that the game is now a reality.
 
"So many people have tangible needs and have lost so much with the recent hurricanes, and we are honored to be joining Kansas State to provide some needed resources."
 
The Bears were part of a similar charity exhibition game at Missouri Southern on November 5, 2011. That event served to benefit the Missouri Southern Foundation's Tornado Emergency Relief Fund to aid relief efforts for a tornado that killed 153 people earlier that year near Joplin.
 
Kansas State coach Bruce Weber has eight returning lettermen, including three starters, from a 23-14 NCAA Tournament team. The Wildcats' staff includes former Missouri State assistants Brad Korn and Jermaine Henderson, as well as former Southern Illinois head coach Chris Lowery.
 
Missouri State returns five lettermen, four starters and three additional squad members from a 17-16 campaign. The Bears have also added seven newcomers to the 2017-18 roster, including fifth-year graduate transfers Tanveer Bhullar (New Mexico State) and J.T. Miller (Howard), in addition to two freshmen, a sophomore transfer and a pair of junior transfers.