UE men’s basketball to open 2016-17 season at Louisville

Aces have solid base to non-conference schedule

A road contest at national powerhouse Louisville will mark the season opener for the University of Evansville men’s basketball team as the program is formulating its non-conference slate for the 2016-17 season.

Louisville, who went 23-8 last season and finished 16^th in the NCAA RPI, will be the first contest for the Purple Aces on November 11.  It will mark the first time the Aces and Cardinals have met on the hardwood since December 2, 1957, a game that saw the Aces take a 92-90 decision in Evansville.

The non-conference home slate is also shaping up to be a memorable one.  Teams set to make the trip to the Ford Center in November and December include: Murray State, Boise State, Bowling Green and Norfolk State.

“Our staff has worked very hard to add some great games to our schedule next year.  Louisville is always a great team and will be a good road test for our team,” Aces head coach Marty Simmons said.  “Having home non-conference games that include Murray State, Boise State, Bowling Green and Norfolk State will be some great games that will get our fans excited for the season.”

Murray State comes to the Ford Center on Saturday, Nov. 19.  The afternoon game begins a huge day of basketball action that will see USI host three games of the Hall of Fame Classic later in the day.  The MVC/Mountain West Challenge makes its way back to Evansville on Dec. 3 as the Aces welcome Boise State.  UE opened the renewed series in 2015-16 with a bigtime 85-77 win at Fresno State.  The Broncos were 20-12 last year.

Evansville is set to take on Bowling Green in a Dec. 6 home game.  The Aces and Falcons have not met since 2001.  Another home game set for later in December will be Norfolk State.  The Spartans are a strong team out of the MEAC who have finished at .500 or above in each of the last five seasons while making the postseason in each of those years.

“We are really excited about how our schedule is shaping up for next season,” Director of Athletics Mark Spencer said.  “Our coaching staff and administration have been working together to develop a non-conference schedule with a regional and national focus.  We will continue to add to our schedule in the coming weeks and we hope to announce some exciting opponents in the near future.”

During Thanksgiving weekend, UE will be playing their in-season tournament in Nashville, making for a convenient holiday trip for Aces fans.  The second “Challenge in Music City” will feature three games against mid-major opponents at Nashville Municipal Auditorium.

New season ticket deposits will be accepted beginning on June 6 while renewals for existing season ticket holders will be sent out on June 13.  On Sept. 1, season tickets go on sale to the general public w