A Rare Re‑Engagement
Indiana University is set to open its 2026‑27 non‑conference slate on December 18, 2026, when the Hoosiers welcome the Missouri Tigers to Bloomington. The matchup, announced as part of the university’s schedule release, marks the first meeting between the two programs in more than two decades and will be played on the historic Assembly Hall court.
Missouri’s 2025‑26 Campaign
The Tigers arrive in Bloomington after a 20‑13 season that saw them capture a second straight NCAA Tournament berth, only to exit in the first round. Missouri has been a regular presence in March Madness over the past six years, and its recent form suggests a team still hungry for its first deep run since the early 2000s.
Indiana’s Non‑Conference Landscape
Indiana’s schedule also features contests against Eastern Illinois, Bellarmine, Bowling Green, Syracuse and a highly anticipated clash with Kentucky, but the Missouri game stands out as the only true cross‑state rivalry on the slate. The Hoosiers will look to leverage home‑court advantage as they aim to add a marquee win to their résumé before conference play begins.
A Series That Has Been Waiting
The last encounter between the two schools dates back to December 19, 2004, when Missouri edged Indiana 56‑53 in Columbia. Since then the Tigers have won three straight meetings, giving them a 9‑9 overall edge in a series that has been evenly split over 18 all‑time games.
Beyond the win‑loss ledger, the game promises to reignite fan interest on both sides of the border, with alumni and local media already speculating about storylines and recruiting implications. For Indiana, a victory would underscore the program’s resilience under its current coaching staff, while Missouri hopes to use the contest as a springboard toward a deeper tournament run.