EVANSVILLE — David Ragland had multiple goals when putting together his nonconference schedule. Most of all, to prepare your team for the Missouri Valley Conference.
The University of Evansville men’s basketball program announced its non-conference schedule for the 2024-25 season on Tuesday. Includes games against five teams that finished in the top 150 of last year’s KenPom rankings. Highlights include a visit to Ohio State and a home game against Western Kentucky.
More: Evansville Basketball: Who left and joined the Aces for the 2024-25 season
The Aces have purposefully sought out more regional opponents this year, including several four-year deals. There are six non-conference home games and one multi-team event. And before you ask, a game against Southern Indiana is not scheduled.
“This will be the toughest non-conference schedule we’ve had in a long time as a program,” Ragland said. “It will be very competitive, but prepare us for conference play. Our group will definitely be battle tested.”
Evansville went 17-18 last year under Ragland in his second season, a 12-win improvement, and won a game in the Missouri Valley Tournament. Evansville finished 208th in the KenPom final, another notable year-over-year jump.
Here’s a breakdown of the schedule, including Ragland’s thoughts on select opponents.
Tiffin
Date: October 26th Location: Ford Center Record: 18-12 KenPom: N/A
The first look at the Aces will be an exhibition against DII Dragons. Tiffin coach Desmond Balentine is the brother of UE assistant coach DJ Balentine.
North Texas
Date: November 18 Location: Denton, Texas Record: 19-15 KenPom: 74
The Mean Green advanced to the second round of the NIT, but now features a largely revamped roster after eight moves. Among the newcomers is former Drake guard Atin Wright. It will be the second meeting in the school’s history.
Ragland: “I think Ross Hodge at North Texas is a quality coach who has done a phenomenal job. It’s a great opportunity for our players.”
Brescia
Date: 9 of November Location: Ford Center Record: 8-15 KenPom: N/A
The Aces’ home opener was against the NAIA Bearcats.
Middle Tennessee State
Date: November 13 Location: Murfreesboro, Tennessee. Record: 14-19 KenPom: 282
The Blue Raiders return four of their seven leading scorers after losing in the Conference USA semifinals last March. He last played the Aces in 2016, but will begin a multi-year run.
Ragland: “This is a basketball game that people will understand how important it is for both sides. What you gain from these games is more important than the outcome, whether you win or lose. Having the belief that we can Making improvements to return even on the road allows our team to have the right mindset and determination.”
Radford
Date: November 16 Location: Ford Center Record: 16-17 KenPom: 227
The Highlanders are another with a revamped roster after graduation or transfers. The only player returning from the top six is TJ Nesmith, who played in just seven games due to injury. First meeting since 1996.
Ohio State
Date: November 19 Location: Columbus, Ohio Record: 22-14 KenPom: 49
Probably the Aces’ most notable opponent. The Buckeyes advanced to the NIT quarterfinals under then-interim coach Jake Diebler, who became head coach in May. Ohio State returns leading scorer Bruce Thornton (15.7 points) and among its transfers are Aaron Bradshaw (Kentucky) and Sean Stewart (Duke). First meeting since 1976.
Ragland: “We wanted to stay regional and play an opponent that was going to be a tough environment. Ohio State was one of the first ones ready to do that. And getting home games out of that was important.”
Green Bay
Date: November 22 Location: Ford Center Record: 18-14 KenPom: 230
The Phoenix are coached by radio host Doug Gottlieb. This game is part of the MTE with Ohio State. First meeting since 2019.
Campbell
Date: November 24th Location: Ford Center Record: 14-18 KenPom: 311
The Fighting Camels lost their two leading scorers to transfers. This game is part of the MTE with Ohio State. First meeting since 2022.
Western Kentucky
Date: December 7th Location: Ford Center Record: 22-12 KenPom: 135
The start of a multi-year series following initial negotiations of an MTE involving both in Owensboro. The Hilltoppers advanced to the NCAA tournament last March. New coach Hank Plona has three of the top five scorers back, including Don McHenry (15.1 points) and Reitz graduate Khristian Lander (9.0 points). The list also includes Purdue transfer Brandon Newman. First meeting since 2009.
Ragland: “I think it works best for both of us to host this game. They will travel well. With the momentum we’ve built over the last two years, our numbers are increasing. The Ford Center should be rocking. We called a lot of people this offseason to try to schedule home-and-homes. We tried to get bought by a good amount of regional teams. There weren’t many people biting. I give credit to Hank Plona and his management for making this game happen.
Chattanooga
Date: December 12th Location: Ford Center Record: 21-12 KenPom: 140
A second straight meeting against the Mocs after last season’s 20-point comeback win. Chattanooga returns its two leading scorers, Honor Huff (17.4 points) and Trey Bonham (16.0 points).
Ragland: “That game last year at their house is one for the history books. I’m sure they’ll be ready to play. This coach does a great job. They play fun and shoot a lot of threes. I enjoy watching them in the film. It will be good for our fan base.”
Arlington University
Date: December 18 Location: Arlington, Texas Record: 20-14 KenPom: 112
The Mavericks advanced to the WAC championship last March. First meeting since 1983.
State of the ball
Date: December 21 Location: Munice. Record: 15-16 KenPom: 266
This will be the third consecutive season these two Indiana programs have met. Evansville won the meeting last November, 74-50, at home. Among the Cardinals’ new transfers are former Linton standout Joey Hart (Kentucky) and USI guard Jeremiah Hernandez. Ball State is coached by former Jasper star Michael Lewis.
This article originally appeared in the Evansville Courier & Press: Evansville Basketball Announces 2024-25 Non-Conference Schedule
