The Division I regional boys basketball tournament, which was played regularly in Cincinnati until leaving for Dayton in the early 1970s, will return this year.

        Because the University of Dayton will host the opening two rounds of an NCAA Tournament men's basketball regional, the high school regional will move from University of Dayton Arena to Xavier University's Cintas Center on March 15 and 17.

        The regional used to be played regularly at the Cincinnati Gardens before moving to Dayton.

        “They told us about a month and a half ago about the tournament,” said Andy Barry, director for premium seats and ticketing for Cintas Center.

        The availability of the Cintas Center was also in question because Xavier has a good chance of hosting two opening rounds of the women's basketball NCAA Tournament. But Xavier learned that if it is awarded the games, they will be played March 16 and 18.

        “I like the location, and it's a great place to play,” Princeton coach Paul Andrew said. “I was shocked when I learned the regional was moved to Xavier.”

        The Divisions II and III regionals will be played at Wright State's Nutter Center, with Miami University hosting the Division IV regional at Millett Hall.

        The Ohio High School Athletic Association hasn't awarded contracts for the 2002 regional tournament, and there's a possibility it could remain at the Cintas Center.

        At least for this year, Cintas Center will take up where the Gardens left off, just as it has this season with Xavier basketball. The Musketeers moved to their new on-campus arena this season.

        “That (the Gardens) was my favorite place to play,” said Hamilton coach Larry Allen, who played for Hamilton Taft until 1972. “It's good to have the tournament back in Cincinnati.”

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