Men's Basketball | 11/4/2024 2:34:00 PM

Mississippi Valley State University's men's basketball team is set to embark on a rigorous 2024-2025 season with a schedule filled with high-stakes matchups that will test the Delta Devils early and often. Here's a breakdown of their journey, focusing on key non-conference games and home matchups.

Non-Conference Road Challenges

• @ Iowa State (Nov. 4): The season opener will see the Delta Devils on the road against a formidable Big 12 opponent. Facing Iowa State's skilled lineup, this game is expected to set the tone for MVSU's defensive strategies.

• @ Missouri (Nov. 14): The Delta Devils will head to Columbia, MO, to face a high-powered Missouri squad. Known for its offensive firepower, Missouri will test MVSU's adaptability on defense.

• @ Texas (Nov. 16): MVSU will follow up with another tough game against Texas. The Longhorns, with their athletic roster, will challenge MVSU's endurance and physicality.

• @ Kansas State (Nov. 19): Completing their Big 12 slate, the Delta Devils will confront Kansas State, a team recognized for its speed and depth, pushing MVSU's resilience and on-court strategy.

Key Home Games for Non-Conference

• Mississippi University for Women (Nov. 7): MVSU's home opener promises to bring energy to Itta Bena. The matchup is a great opportunity for fans to see new talent and set the home court advantage for the season. This game is crucial for building confidence before a string of away games.

• Oakwood University (Dec. 2): Another home non-conference clash, Oakwood University will offer the Delta Devils a chance to sharpen their skills before diving into the challenging holiday stretch of games. This game will be critical for MVSU to reinforce its team chemistry and rotation.

Multi-Team Event (MTE) - Road Games

• @ BYU (Nov. 23): The first game of a multi-team event (MTE) sees MVSU facing BYU in Provo, Utah. Known for their precision shooting, BYU will test the Delta Devils' defensive setup, particularly on the perimeter.

• @ Utah (Nov. 26) and @ Santa Barbara (Nov. 29): MVSU's road trip continues with matchups against Utah and UC Santa Barbara, both of which will demand physical and mental endurance from the Delta Devils. These games will be vital for preparing MVSU's younger players for the intensity of SWAC play.

Conference Play Home Games

• Prairie View (Jan. 11) and Texas Southern (Jan. 13): The Delta Devils will kick off their SWAC home schedule with two back-to-back games. Prairie View and Texas Southern are expected to be strong contenders in the SWAC, so these games will be crucial for establishing an early advantage in conference standings.

• Grambling State (Jan. 25) and Southern University (Jan. 27): The January stretch features two important home games against Grambling and Southern. Both teams have been challenging in past seasons, making these matchups significant for MVSU's standings in the SWAC.

Building Toward the SWAC Tournament

The Delta Devils will continue their push through February and March with key home games, concluding with Arkansas Pine Bluff (Mar. 1), Alcorn State (Mar. 6), and a season finale against Jackson State (Mar. 8). Each game will be a building block toward MVSU's ultimate goal: a strong finish in the SWAC and momentum heading into the SWAC Tournament, set for Mar. 11-15 in Atlanta, GA.

This season will test MVSU's resilience, teamwork, and ability to compete against both powerhouse non-conference teams and fierce SWAC rivals. Fans can expect exciting basketball as the Delta Devils aim to make a statement and contend for conference glory.