The Ball State men's basketball team will play the University of Kentucky Wildcats for the first time in its history next season on a neutral court. The two teams will meet on Nov. 23 at U.S. Bank Arena in Cincinnati.
This will be the fourth straight year the Wildcats have met a Mid-American Conference team at U.S. Bank Arena, winning all three against Marshall, Ohio and Kent State.
Kentucky is the all-time winningest collegiate team with 1,876 wins in 101 seasons, and seven titles. Last season Kentucky finished with a 27-5 record and was ranked No.2 going into the NCAA Tournament, but lost to Alabama-Birmingham in the second round.
"To play a nationally-respected program on a neutral court close to home is exciting," Buckley said in a press release. "One of our goals for this program was and still is, to strengthen our schedule with quality opponents.
"Adding Kentucky to our already challenging non-conference schedule certainly gives us exposure, but more importantly, gives our basketball team a chance to play one of the nation's best programs."
Athletics director Bubba Cunningham said in a press release that Buckley and his staff deserved the credit for finalizing the deal.
"As a department, our major goals are to increase awareness and attendance," Cunningham said in a press release. "Having the opportunity to play Kentucky on a neutral court less than three hours from campus will be a tremendous experience for our players, university and fans. We are excited about the opportunity."
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