COOKEVILLE, Tenn. - With the ESPNU cameras coming to Eblen Center three times this winter, a game following the annual Cookeville Christmas Parade, and several other factors to plan around, Tennessee Tech has announced the starting times for the 2008-09 men's and women's basketball season.

"There are a number of factors we consider when selecting starting times," said Mark Wilson, TTU Director of Athletics. "We strive to be consistent so our fans can make their plans, but because of variables such as TV games and other community events, we also need to be flexible."

Wilson announced the starting times for the games, both at home in Eblen Center and on the road, and added that even these times can be subject to change.

In general, Tech's single games will usually begin at 7 p.m. if it's a night game, and 2 p.m. if it's a Sunday afternoon contest. Most of the doubleheaders will begin at 5:30 p.m. for the women's game at 7:30 p.m. for the men's contest.

A few of the time changes are due to games being televised nationally by ESPNU, with the men hosting two TV games and the women one.

The doubleheaders with adjusted times are on Jan. 15, Jan. 17, and Feb. 19.

The women's game on both Jan. 15 against UT Martin and Jan. 17 against Murray State will begin at 5 p.m. The first of those nights has the men's game on ESPNU, beginning at 8 p.m. against the Skyhawks and preseason OVC Player of the Year Lester Hudson.

The games begin a half hour early on Jan. 17 because the Tech women will be featured nationally on ESPNU when they host the defending conference champion Murray State Lady Racers at 5 p.m.

The men's game against Tennessee State on Feb. 19 is the third ESPNU game, which pushes the start time for the women's game ahead to 5 p.m.

Three men's home games early in the season start at different times. On Saturday, Nov. 22, when Tech hosts Southern Utah, the game will begin at 6 p.m. following the football game against Eastern Illinois. The contest on Saturday, Nov. 29, has a 1 p.m. start against Louisiana-Monroe.

The other is when the Golden Eagles host Lipscomb on Monday, Dec. 1. That game will tip off at 8 p.m., following the popular Cookeville Christmas Parade.

Season tickets are currently on sale and can be purchased at either the Athletic Ticket Office in Eblen Center or by calling (931) 372-3940. Tickets are also on sale online at TTUsports.com.