The Billikens and the Tigers will open a new chapter in their long‑standing competition when they face off on November 6 at the Enterprise Center in St. Louis. The series, announced jointly by Saint Louis University and the University of Missouri, will consist of three games, with the remaining dates for the 2027‑28 and 2028‑29 seasons to be revealed later.
A Milestone After 25 Years
The upcoming contest marks the first meeting between the two programs in 25 years, ending a hiatus that dates back to the early 2000s. The teams previously played a three‑game stretch from 1999 through 2002, a period that left Missouri with a slight edge in the all‑time ledger.
Both coaches expressed enthusiasm for reviving the rivalry. SLU head coach Josh Schertz said the matchup represents a chance to reconnect with a tradition that has meant a great deal to fans on both sides, while Missouri’s Dennis Gates highlighted the excitement of adding another layer to a competition that has shaped both programs.
The historical context adds intrigue: Missouri holds a 21‑19 advantage in the series, and the Tigers finished the previous season with a 20‑13 record, going 10‑8 in SEC play. Meanwhile, the Billikens built on a school‑record 29 victories last year, capturing the Atlantic 10 regular‑season title and advancing to the second round of the NCAA tournament.
Adding to the narrative, Saint Louis returns nine players from last season, including three All‑Conference honorees, while Missouri’s recent back‑to‑back NCAA Championship appearances underscore the high stakes of the new series. Fans can expect a competitive atmosphere as both squads aim to assert early dominance in the rivalry's latest chapter.
Looking Ahead
While the November 6 game will serve as the inaugural contest of the new three‑game slate, the schools have promised to announce future matchups in the coming months. The series is expected to become a staple of the early‑season schedule, offering both fan bases a recurring point of anticipation and providing each program with a unique non‑conference challenge.