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Trying to drum up fan interest for Friday’s double header at McGrath-Phillips Arena, the DePaul athletic department held an event in the student center Wednesday in advance of the men’s and women’s basketball season openers.

The event, dubbed “Countdown to Gameday” lasted from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. with prizes being given away as well as having an arcade basketball game that fans could play with the players from the men’s and women’s teams. Members of the DePaul band, cheerleaders and DIBS were also there to help with the atmosphere.

Check out photos from the event in the gallery below and listen to what DePaul players and coaches had to say with Eli Hershkovich and Dan Pawlowski of Radio DePaul, who were partners in the event.

DePaul’s season openers are Friday with the No. 18 women’s team taking on No. 5 Texas A&M at 6:30 p.m. and the men’s team facing UIC at 9 p.m.

Audio interviews below courtesy of Radio DePaul.