Hoops Classic Tip Time, TV Network Announced

BDG Sports announced Tuesday that the Hoops Classic presented by CareSource – featuring rivals Cincinnati and Dayton – will tip off at 8:30 p.m. ET on Friday, Dec. 20 at Heritage Bank Center.

The neutral-site contest will be broadcast on ESPNU.

Dayton claimed an 82-68 victory over Cincinnati last season when the two schools met at Heritage Bank Center. The matchup marked the first meeting between the two schools since 2010.

Cincinnati and Dayton have met 92 times in series history with the Bearcats holding a 60-32 advantage. The rivalry is the third longest in program history for both schools.

Like last season’s contest, the atmosphere inside Heritage Bank Center should be electric with the two fan bases seated in separate halves of the arena. In the lower bowl, sections 112-128 will be designated for Cincinnati fans while sections 108-132 will be earmarked for Dayton fans. Sections 110 and 130 at midcourt will each be divided among the schools as well. The upper bowl will be divided in a similar fashion.

The Bearcats enter the 2024/25 season ranked #20 in the AP preseason poll.