Updated

Although they're the opening games of the season, playing perfect basketball wasn't the priority at the Carrier Classic on Thursday.

The four coaches participating in Friday's games on the USS Yorktown wanted their teams to understand more about the role the military plays and to honor those who've served their country.

The event began last fall with North Carolina and Michigan State playing on an aircraft carrier off San Diego. This year, the classic was moved across country to the USS Yorktown in Charleston Harbor.

Last year's national women's runnerup, No. 7 Notre Dame, faces No. 19 Ohio State. A men's game between No. 4 Ohio State and Marquette follows on the flight deck turned basketball court.

Marquette coach Buzz Williams says he'll cherish this opportunity, win or lose.