Breaking down Evansville men’s basketball’s 2024-25 non-conference schedule

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 players.”

Brescia

Date: Nov. 9 Location: Ford Center Record: 8-15 KenPom: N/A

The Aces’ home opener comes against the NAIA Bearcats.

Middle Tennessee State

Date: Nov. 13 Location: Murfreesboro, Tenn. Record: 14-19 KenPom: 282

The Blue Raiders return four of their top seven scorers after losing in the Conference USA semifinals last March. Last played the Aces in 2016 but will begin a multi-year series.

Ragland: “That’s a basketball game that people will understand how important that is for both sides. What is gained from these games is more important than the outcome, whether you win or lose. Having that belief that we can make the improvements to come back even away from home allows our team to have the right mindset and resolve.”

Radford

Date: Nov. 16 Location: Ford Center Record: 16-17 KenPom: 227

The Highlanders are another with a revamped roster following graduation or transfers. The only player back from their top six is TJ Nesmith, who only appeared in seven games because of injury. First meeting since 1996.

Ohio State

Date: Nov. 19 Location: Columbus, Ohio Record: 22-14 KenPom: 49

Arguably the Aces’ most noteworthy opponent. The Buckeyes advanced to the NIT quarterfinals under then-interim coach Jake Diebler, who was made the head coach in May. Ohio State returns top scorer Bruce Thornton (15.7 points) and among its incoming transfers are Aaron Bradshaw (Kentucky) and Sean Stewart (Duke). First meeting since 1976.

Ragland: “We wanted to stay regional and play against an opponent that will be a tough environment. Ohio State was one of the first ready to get it done. And to get home games with it was important.”

Green Bay

Date: Nov. 22 Location: Ford Center Record: 18-14 KenPom: 230

The Phoenix are coached by talk radio host Doug Gottlieb. This game is part of the MTE with Ohio State. First meeting since 2019.

Campbell

Date: Nov. 24 Location: Ford Center Record: 14-18 KenPom: 311

The Fighting Camels lost their top two scorers to transfers. This game is part of the MTE with Ohio State. First meeting since 2022.

Western Kentucky

Date: Dec. 7 Location: Ford Center Record: 22-12 KenPom: 135

The start of a multi-year series after initial talks of an MTE involving both in Owensboro. The Hilltoppers advanced to the NCAA Tournament last March. New coach Hank Plona does have three of the top five scorers back, including Don McHenry (15.1 points) and Reitz graduate Khristian Lander (9.0 points). The roster also includes Purdue transfer Brandon Newman. First meeting since 2009.

Ragland: “I think it works better for both of us to host that game. They’re going to travel well. The momentum we have built the past two years, our numbers are rising. The Ford Center should be rocking. We called a lot of people this offseason to try and schedule home-and-homes. We tried to get bought by a good amount of regional teams. There weren’t a lot of people biting. I credit Hank Plona and his administration for making this game happen. Our fan bases do deserve it.”

Chattanooga

Date: Dec. 12 Location: Ford Center Record: 21-12 KenPom: 140

A second straight meeting against the Mocs following last season’s 20-point comeback victory. Chattanooga returns its top two scorers in Honor Huff (17.4 points) and Trey Bonham (16.0 points).

Ragland: “That game last year at their place was one for the history books. I’m sure they’ll be ready to go. That coach does a great job. They play a fun style and shoot a bunch of threes. I like watching them on film. It will be good for our fan base.”

UT Arlington

Date: Dec. 18 Location: Arlington, Texas Record: 20-14 KenPom: 112

The Mavericks advanced to the WAC championship last March. First meeting since 1983.

Ball State

Date: Dec. 21 Location: Munice. Record: 15-16 KenPom: 266

This will be the third straight season these two Indiana programs meet. Evansville won the meeting last November, 74-50, at home. Among the Cardinals’ incoming 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 on Evansville Courier & Press: Evansville basketball announces 2024-25 non-conference schedule