with the early game. The Monday Night Countdown was/is likely to get a higher share than the Miami Beach Bowl even if the bowl was in a later time slot due to the national appeal of the NFL.

ESPN
2:00-5:30 pm Miami Beach Bowl - BYU VS. Memphis
5:30 -6:00 pm Pardon The Interruption
6:00-8:15 pm Monday Night Countdown Served By Applebee's
8:15-11:30 pm Monday Night Football - Denver Broncos VS. Cincinnati Bengals

They could have put it on ESPN2 but multiple basket ball games start at 7:00 pm due to a holiday tournament.

ESPN3 has a basketball game at 2:00 pm but starting at 4:00 pm will have a replay of the Miami Beach Bowl. This give them the same time slot as they may have gotten on ESPN 2 but they opted for the 2:00 pm game on ESPN to get the most exposure by being on the premier channel with the game available later and on demand.