A New Chapter for Butler Basketball
Butler University's men's basketball program has locked in a home‑and‑home series with the University of Pittsburgh, guaranteeing a matchup this Friday, Nov. 13, inside the historic Hinkle Fieldhouse. The agreement also includes a future contest during the 2027‑28 season, extending the rivalry beyond the current campaign.
The Bulldogs hold an 8‑6 all‑time edge over the Panthers, a record highlighted by their most recent encounter in the 2012 CBI semifinals. That game went to overtime, with Pittsburgh edging Butler 68‑62 in a tightly contested battle that still resonates among fans.
The upcoming series arrives less than a week after Butler revealed its non‑conference slate, which includes a highly anticipated road test at North Carolina on Sunday, Dec. 6. That game represents the first season under new head coach Ronald Nored, who took over the program after a distinguished playing career.
Scheduling such high‑profile opponents reflects Butler's strategy of bolstering its résumé early in the season, a move that could influence NCAA tournament seeding and recruiting narratives. The partnership with Pittsburgh, a program with deep roots in the city’s basketball culture, underscores a mutual commitment to competitive non‑conference play.