The University of Missouri and Saint Louis University have announced a three‑game men’s basketball series that will open in November, marking the first meeting of the storied rivalry in 25 years.
Rooted in a history that stretches back to 1931, the series revives a competition in which the Tigers hold a 21‑19 edge over the Billikens, though the two programs have met only three times in the past 45 years, the last encounter occurring in 2001.
Coaches look forward
Mizzou’s head coach Dennis Gates and Saint Louis’ mentor Josh Schertz each voiced enthusiasm for the matchup, emphasizing its importance to the fans of Missouri and the excitement of adding a new chapter to a long‑standing tradition.
Recent achievements
The Tigers have secured back‑to‑back NCAA Tournament appearances for the first time since the 2009‑13 stretch, posting at least 20 wins in each of the last two seasons while navigating a challenging SEC schedule. Their upcoming recruiting class ranks seventh nationally among freshmen and fourteenth among transfers, underscoring the program’s upward trajectory.
The Billikens, meanwhile, celebrated a school‑record 29 victories last year, captured the Atlantic 10 regular‑season title and advanced to the second round of the NCAA tournament. They will return nine players, including three all‑conference honorees, giving the team continuity and experience.
Scheduled to be played at the Enterprise Center in St. Louis, the games promise a vibrant atmosphere for basketball enthusiasts across the state, blending the energy of a modern arena with the nostalgia of a historic rivalry.