Missouri’s men’s basketball program has locked in a December 18, 2026 contest against Indiana in Bloomington, marking the first meeting between the two schools in over two decades.
A deliberate push for strength
Coach Dennis Gates, who has faced criticism for weaker non‑conference slates in recent seasons, is using the NCAA’s decision to expand the tournament to 76 teams as justification for a more ambitious schedule. The new slate is designed to test the Tigers early and improve their résumé for postseason consideration.
The upcoming season will feature six power‑conference opponents: Kansas, Illinois, Marquette, Indiana, Nebraska and Pittsburgh. The agreement with Indiana also precludes a reciprocal game in Columbia, focusing the series on a single neutral‑site showdown.
Indiana’s evolving roster
Indiana entered the previous season with a 18‑14 record, finishing tenth in the Big Ten. The team will be without its top two scorers from last year, Lamar Wilkerson and Tucker Devries, both of whom signed Exhibit‑10 contracts with the Oklahoma City Thunder and Boston Celtics respectively. Adding depth, Indiana secured Alabama transfer forward Aiden Sherrell, who contributed 11.1 points and 6.2 rebounds per game last season.
The last encounter between the programs dates back to 2004, when Missouri edged Indiana 56‑53. That victory remains a reference point as both teams prepare for a new chapter.