In December, Arizona State University took on the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, in women's basketball -- outside, at night, at Phoenix's Bank One Ballpark.

While the chilly conditions and bright lights made the event unusual, the purpose of the game was to shine a light on breast cancer.

The AstraZeneca Hoops for the Cure Classic raised $10,000 for breast cancer research, treatment and education for the Phoenix affiliate of the Susan G. Komen Foundation and the Greater Phoenix Community Clinical Oncology Program.

Believed to be the first outdoor college basketball game, the event also set a Pacific-10 Conference women's basketball single-game record for attendance as 16,782 fans came to see the second-ranked Lady Vols narrowly defeat the Sun Devils, 67-63.

The game-time temperature was near 60 degrees, and it dipped into the low 50s during the game. Space heaters warmed the bench area, and players on the benches were decked out in gloves, spandex and sweatshirts.

"The weather at first affected us," said Tennessee senior forward Tamika Catchings. "Both teams were cold. Once you ran up and down and got into the routine, it was OK. It was cold sitting on the bench."

Arizona State junior guard Amanda Levens led the Sun Devils with 21 points.

A strange setting

In addition to being inside a baseball stadium, the basketball court also sat on top of the football field used just a few days later as the site of the Insight.com bowl.

Fans of both teams began streaming into the stadium and hour and a half before tip-off, and many of those in the stands were seated in the permanent stadium seats between first and third base.

Players had to look to the floor rather than above the basket for the shot clock, and simply shooting in the airy stadium was a challenge that both teams overcame.

"Both teams had to shoot at the same sight," said Tennessee's Kristen Clement. "It was tough at first. The ball was bouncing everywhere. It made you see how focused you can be. The lights were very bright."

A good cause

Planned by community volunteers and Arizona State staff, the fund-raising event was two years in the making.

Arizona State partnered with AstraZeneca, maker of the breast cancer drug Nolvadex (tamoxifen citrate), to raise awareness of breast cancer. Those attending the game were offered risk assessment screenings and other information about the disease, and a portion of the proceeds from each ticket sold went to benefit breast cancer research.

According to the American Cancer Society, breast cancer is the most common form of cancer among women, with more than 180,000 new cases diagnosed each year.

"We were pleased to be partnered with such an important event," said Janet Caldwell, AstraZeneca's Oncology Program manager.

"More women are surviving breast cancer today because of early detection and advanced research. We hope that the Hoops for the Cure Classic has helped spread the message that risk assessment and early detection are key weapons in the fight against cancer."

Sun Devils head coach Charli Turner Thorne, asked before the game what she expected, had this to say:

"In addition to (taking part in) the first outdoor game, we have the opportunity to make an impact by raising a significant amount of money for breast cancer research," she said. "When you put all of those things together in a community like the Valley of the Sun, which has embraced women's basketball, it will be an opportunity for people to make a huge statement about supporting women's athletics and a women's cause. The opportunity to raise money for such a tremendous cause has really, in my mind, become the single most important part of this event."

Lady Vols head coach Pat Summitt was happy to bring the Vols to Phoenix for such a good cause.

"Arizona State initiated a phone call to see if we were interested in coming out there," she said before the game. "It's a unique opportunity. It (was) a first for us to play in an outdoor facility, and the tie-in to breast cancer awareness is a cause I support."

Cian Carvalho, a junior forward from Arizona State, has had personal experience with the devastation breast cancer can cause an entire family. Carvalho's mother, Ruth, was diagnosed with the disease nine years ago. Ruth Carvalho's disease came out of remission two years ago, so she is again taking medication and undergoing radiation therapy, although she was able to attend the game to cheer for her daughter's team.

"Anything that will help find a cure for this (disease) is great by me," offered the younger Carvalho.

Even if that means playing the Lady Vols outside on a chilly December night, on a basketball court, on a football field in a baseball stadium.