The North Florida Ospreys men’s basketball team is set to wrap up November with an away game against Southern Illinois Edwardsville on Friday, Nov. 29. The match will take place at First Community Arena in Edwardsville, Illinois, starting at 7 p.m. EST (6 p.m. CST). Fans can catch the game live on ESPN+.
Following a remarkable performance against Edward Waters where the Ospreys achieved a record-setting 33 assists and made 20 three-pointers in a dominant 108-59 victory, the team has shown resilience and strong preparation. Coach suggests that the players are maintaining a consistent focus, allowing them to perform at their best throughout the season. For the upcoming match, he emphasized the importance of rebounding effectively and maintaining offensive efficiency against SIU Edwardsville, who are coming off an impressive win themselves.
North Florida has enjoyed a historic start to the 2024-25 season, marking their first-ever wins against both an SEC opponent and an ACC team within the same week. This includes victories over South Carolina, Georgia Tech, and a decisive 24-point win against Charleston Southern. The Ospreys received recognition in the AP Top 25 poll, earning 14 votes, a first for the program, and are also ranked No. 10 in the CollegeInsider.com Mid-Major Top 25 poll. Their 3-0 start is the best since the 2015-16 season, and they are the first team to defeat two Power Five opponents on the road during the opening weekend.
On the opposing side, SIU Edwardsville comes into the game with a record of 5-3, and they are on a positive trajectory after a commanding victory over St. Ambrose. The Cougars, led by head coach Brian Barone in his sixth season, hope to capitalize on their home advantage, while North Florida looks to extend their successful run.
The meeting between these two teams marks a first in their competitive history. Given the Ospreys’ recent momentum and their blend of experienced returning players and promising newcomers, there’s a sense of optimism as they aim to build on their impressive start and further establish themselves in collegiate basketball.
In summary, North Florida’s men’s basketball team enters this game with high hopes and a track record of success, both in recent matches and throughout the season thus far. Their continued growth and strong performances could make for an exciting matchup against SIU Edwardsville, highlighting the potential for further accomplishments as the season progresses.