A long‑awaited matchup
The River City Classic will be played on November 7 at Ford Center, a venue that can accommodate up to 11,000 fans. This neutral‑site contest represents the first meeting between the University of Evansville and the University of Southern Indiana since 2019 and marks the inaugural Division I matchup for both programs. Ticket allocations will be split evenly between the two schools, underscoring the collaborative nature of the event.
Both teams entered the previous season with modest records, Evansville finishing 7‑25 and Southern Indiana 7‑23. Each program endured a disappointing year that included a first‑round exit from their respective conference tournaments. The scheduling agreement follows years of discussion, particularly after Southern Indiana’s transition to Division I in 2022, and reflects a mutual desire to strengthen regional competition.
Beyond basketball
The partnership extends well beyond a single game. For the 2025‑26 athletic year the two schools will contest seven additional sports, including baseball, men’s and women’s cross country, men’s and women’s golf, men’s soccer, men’s and women’s swimming & diving, softball and volleyball. This multi‑sport collaboration aims to foster broader engagement and shared resources across the campuses.
Coaching stability provides a backdrop to the upcoming contest. David Ragland, head coach of the Purple Aces, recently signed an extension that is projected to run through the 2029‑30 season despite a career record of 40‑91. He will rely on returning senior forward AJ Casey and sophomore guard Bryce Quinet, while the roster has been reshaped by recent transfers.
Stan Gouard, in his sixth season at Southern Indiana, brings a 71‑97 record and a contract that extends to 2029. His team has undergone a significant overhaul, with 11 new players announced since May 12. Historically, the Aces hold a 5‑1 edge over the Screaming Eagles, highlighted by a 71‑68 overtime victory seven years ago before a crowd of 6,263.