SPRINGFIELD – Missouri State men’s basketball coach Cuonzo Martin has finalized his non-conference schedule for the upcoming 2024-25 season, an 11-game calendar that features five home contests in addition to a preseason exhibition game.
The home slate is highlighted by non-conference visits from Tulsa (Nov. 16), UT Arlington (Nov. 19) and UC Santa Barbara (Dec. 22).
MSU will host regional foe Southwest Baptist in a preseason exhibition game at Great Southern Bank Arena on Oct. 29, in addition to regular-season contests against fellow Show-Me State foes Missouri Southern (Nov. 11) and Lincoln University (Dec. 18).
“Bear fans get ready for an action-packed season!,” said Martin. “We’re excited to unveil our schedule and can’t wait to dive into the unique challenges each game brings. Our team has been putting in the work during the off-season, and we’re pumped to show off our progress and dedication on the court. Join us for every thrilling moment. We’re ecstatic to have you along for the ride!”
MoState will kick off the season on the road with a showdown against Butler University on Nov. 4 at historic Hinkle Fieldhouse in Indianapolis before its three-game home stand through the middle of November. Butler was 18-15 a year ago and represented the Big East in the NIT.
The Bears then embark on a trip to the Caribean for three games at the Cayman Islands Classic, Nov. 24-26. MoState opens that event against High Point (Nov. 24) with a second-round game the next day against either Old Dominion or Boston College. The final round of the Cayman Islands Classic will feature a Nov. 26 matchup vs. Hampton, Boise State, South Dakota State or Duquesne.
In addition to the two December home games, the final month of the non-conference schedule also features road games at Oral Roberts (Dec. 1) and Washington State (Dec. 14). Washington State was 25-10 a year ago and finished second in the Pac-12 regular-season standings before advancing to the NCAA Tournament.
The 20-game Missouri Valley Conference schedule will be released later in September, according to league officials.
Martin rejoined the Missouri State program on March 27 as its new head coach and boasts a remarkable coaching resume that includes 264 career wins in 14 seasons at the Division I level. His coaching tenure features nine postseason appearances in that span, including four trips to the NCAA Tournament, four appearances in the NIT, and a CIT title in his first run with
the Bears in 2010.
