The Ball State men’s basketball team announced its non-conference matchups Monday, completing Ball State’s 2013 schedule. The Mid-American Conference schedule was announced earlier in the month.
Under direction of new head coach James Whitford, the Cardinals will open the regular season on the road. Indiana State hosts Ball State on Nov. 9.
It will be the 128th matchup between the Sycamores and the Cardinals. Ball State lost the most recent installment of its longest-standing rivalry by a score of 68-48 last season.
The Cardinals also are set to compete against a pair of top-tier opponents early in the season.
Ball State will host Butler in its third home game of the year Nov. 23. Last season, Butler made the NCAA Tournament and won a single game before losing to Marquette in the final seconds of its second-round matchup.
Marquette, which went on to advance to the Elite 8, will host Ball State on Dec. 17.
Before making that road trip, Ball State will host regional rival Valparaiso University on Dec. 4. The Crusaders also participated in the NCAA Tournament last season.
Ball State will close its non-conference schedule at home against Oakland City on Jan. 3. The Cardinals will remain home for the season’s first MAC contest, as well, just five days later against Akron.
