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EVANSVILLE — David Ragland had multiple objectives when assembling his non-conference schedule. Above all, to get his team ready 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. It includes games against five teams that finished in the top 150 of last year’s KenPom rankings. The 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 purposely searched for more regional opponents this year including multiple four-year deals. There are six non-conference home games and one multi-team event. And before you ask, a game with crosstown Southern Indiana is not on the schedule.
“This will be the toughest non-conference schedule we’ve had in a really long time as a program,” said Ragland. “It will be very competitive but get us ready for conference play. Our group will be definitely 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 No. 208 in the final KenPom, another notable year-to-year jump.
Here is a breakdown of the schedule including thoughts from Ragland on select opponents.
Tiffin
Date: Oct. 26 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 D.J. Balentine.
North Texas
Date: Nov. 18 Location: Denton, Texas Record: 19-15 KenPom: 74
The Mean Green advanced to the second round of the NIT but now feature a largely retooled roster following eight transfers. Among the newcomers is former Drake guard Atin Wright. It will be the second meeting in school history.
Ragland: “I think Ross Hodge at North Texas is a quality coach who’s done a phenomenal job. It’s a great opportunity for our…
Source link : https://sports.yahoo.com/breaking-down-evansville-mens-basketballs-163323880.html
Author : The Courier & Press
Publish date : 2024-07-30 16:33:23
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