EVANSVILLE, Ind. – University of Southern Indiana Men's Basketball opens the 2025-26 regular season Wednesday when the Screaming Eagles visit Butler University for a 6 p.m. (CT) contest in Indianapolis, Indiana. The opening week will end November 7 at Liberty Arena when USI hosts Virginia Military Institute for the home opener at 7:30 p.m.
 
The USI-Butler showdown will be played at Hinkle Fieldhouse in Indianapolis and the USI-VMI contests will air live on ESPN+. The game can also be heard on ESPN 97.7FM (http://listentotheref.com) and 95.7FM The Spin (http://957thespin.com).
 
USI's home opening game versus VMI also is a part of a men's and women's basketball doubleheader at Liberty Arena. USI Women's Basketball takes on Murray State at 5 p.m., before the men's game.
 
The Eagles are coming off their third season of NCAA Division I play that saw them post a 10-20 overall record, 5-15 in the Ohio Valley Conference. USI has completed its transition to Division I with the end of last season and is now NCAA Tournament eligible in 2025-26.
 
The Eagles are expected to be ninth in the OVC this season in a vote of the head coaches and athletic communication staff.
 
Butler, which was 15-20 overall in 2024-25, was picked 10th in the Big East preseason coaches poll. The Bulldogs open the year with an exhibition loss to the University of Notre Dame, 77-76, and an exhibition win over Indiana State University, 105-80.
 
VMI, which was 15-19 overall last year, is picked to place sixth in the Southern Conference 2025-26 preseason poll. The Keydets open the year November 3 at home against Johnson & Wales University in Lexington, Virginia.
 
USI, which is slated to host 14 home games this year at Liberty Arena, has single-game tickets on sale now on USIScreamingEagles.com.
 
USI Basketball Tailgate planned for Friday
 
To celebrate the beginning of the 2025-26 season, a First Friday Tailgate for the USI community and Screaming Eagles fans will be held from 3 to 5 p.m. Friday, November 7, in Parking Lot P (behind the Screaming Eagles Complex). After the tailgate, USI Women's and Men's Basketball will tip off against Murray State and Virginia Military Institute, respectively. Women's game starts at 5 p.m. with the men's game beginning at 7:30 p.m. Purchase your tickets online or at the gate!
 
Sponsored by the Center for Campus Life, Housing and Residence Life, and the USI Foundation, the tailgate will feature food, music by DJ Brash, free giveaways, and activities including inflatables, putt-putt, games, and more. There will also be a beer garden for fans 21 years and older (ID required to enter; cash and card accepted).