This weekend, Kent State University will host the area’s inaugural men’s basketball doubleheader Coaches vs. Cancer event to support the American Cancer Society.

Coaches vs. Cancer is a nationwide collaboration between the American Cancer Society and the National Association of Basketball Coaches established to provide outreach and financial resources to support the Society’s lifesaving efforts.

The Zips will square off against Cleveland State University on Saturday at 9 p.m. in the second game of the evening at Memorial Athletic and Convocation Center in Kent. Preceding this game at 7 p.m. will be Kent State University matching up against Youngstown State University.

Tickets for this cancer-fighting event at Kent State are $17 — which is good for both games — and available for purchase at each university’s ticket office. In addition, five dollars from each ticket sold will help support cancer patients and their families through the American Cancer Society.

The 2015 Coaches vs. Cancer Northeast Ohio Doubleheader begins a four-year stretch of rotating the games between each school involved. Youngstown State will host in 2016, The University of Akron in 2017 and Cleveland State in 2018.

“This event is very important to our program and me personally,” UA Head Coach Keith Dambrot said. “We lost a great coach and close friend in Dan Peters along with numerous others to cancer. Cancer hits everyone in some way throughout his or her lifetime, and it’s our obligation to help fight the disease in every way possible.”

Participating coaches have helped raise more than $87 million to help the American Cancer Society save lives by helping people stay well and get well, by finding cures, and by fighting back against cancer.

“To see rivals on the court join forces to fight cancer is truly inspiring,” said Sarah Wells, senior director of community engagement for the American Cancer Society. “The American Cancer Society is grateful for the leadership of the universities in uniting the community for this important cause. This event will be a fun, meaningful way to cheer on your favorite team.”