River City Classic

At last, the University of Evansville Purple Aces against University of Southern Indiana men's basketball series is back. Yesterday, both schools came to an agreement that they will play again during the 2026-27 season on Saturday, November 7, at 7p.m. from the Evansville Ford Center.

This series will be called the "River City Classic." It will be the first meeting between the two basketball teams since a 2019 preseason exhibition. On November 7, 2026, will be the first time that both schools are Division I members. The matchup follows a disappointing seasons from both programs.

USI moved up to the Division I level during the 2022 season. USI had a 7-23 record under Stan Gouard in his sixth season with the Screamin Eagles. Gouard, has a 71-97 record during his time at USI. The Screamin Eagles will have a roster with 11 new players.

Last year, the Purple Aces had a 7-25 season record. This season will be coach David Ragland's fifth year at the helm. Currently, Ragland has a 40-91 record in his first four seasons with the Purple Aces. UE lost six players to the transfer portal. Returning is forward AJ Casey and guard Bryce Quinet. In their last meeting, UE defeated USI 71-68 in overtime seven years ago.

These two schools have played five times with the Aces winning every meeting (2004, 2005, 2008, 2012 and 2019)