If you’ve been following Sycamore hoops lately, you know that the Indiana State University men's basketball schedule is less of a calendar and more of a gauntlet this year. Honestly, it's been a bit of a rollercoaster. After the coaching shifts and roster turnover that had everyone in Terre Haute talking over the summer, the 2025-26 campaign has finally settled into that gritty, mid-winter Missouri Valley Conference (MVC) rhythm where every single possession feels like a life-or-death struggle.
The Road Ahead: Breaking Down the Upcoming Matchups
The Sycamores are currently staring down a brutal stretch of road games and high-stakes home stands. If you're looking to catch a game at the Hulman Center or follow the team on the road, here is the immediate outlook for the rest of January 2026.
Saturday, January 17 at Murray State
This is a big one. The Sycamores travel to the CFSB Center in Murray, Kentucky, to take on a Murray State team that has been essentially lighting the net on fire lately. The Racers are sitting at the top of the league with a 7-0 conference record. Tip-off is set for 4:00 PM ET. You can catch this one on ESPN+, but be prepared—the Racers are averaging nearly 88 points per game. Indiana State leads the all-time series 11-5, but Murray State took the last meeting.
Wednesday, January 21 at Bradley
The travel doesn't stop. After Kentucky, the team heads to Peoria, Illinois. Bradley is always a tough out at the Peoria Civic Center. This game starts at 7:00 PM ET.
Saturday, January 24 vs. Drake
Finally, a return to Terre Haute. The Bulldogs come to town for a noon tip-off. These Saturday afternoon games at the Hulman Center usually have a different kind of energy, especially against a perennial MVC powerhouse like Drake.
Tuesday, January 27 at UIC
A midweek trip to Chicago. The Flames have a way of playing spoiler, so the Sycamores can't afford a "look-ahead" game here.
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Saturday, January 31 vs. Valparaiso
The month closes out at home against the Beacons. It’s a 12:00 PM ET start, making it a perfect window for fans who want to spend their Saturday in downtown Terre Haute.
Looking Back: How We Got Here
It’s hard to talk about the Indiana State University men's basketball schedule without acknowledging the hurdles this team faced before the first whistle even blew.
Head Coach Matthew Graves had to take an unexpected leave of absence right as the season was starting. He underwent triple bypass surgery in October, which is heavy stuff for any program to digest. Associate Head Coach Mark Slessinger stepped in as the acting lead, and the team had to find its identity on the fly. Graves finally made his return to the sideline in a limited capacity during the December 18th game against Bradley.
The non-conference slate was a mix of "wow" moments and tough lessons. There was the November 14th trip to Cameron Indoor Stadium to face Duke—a game that ended in a 100-62 loss but gave this new-look roster a taste of the absolute highest level of college basketball. They also picked up solid wins against Louisiana Tech (60-51) and Ball State (70-52) in late November.
Recent Momentum
The Sycamores are coming off a massive emotional win. On Wednesday night, they took down Illinois State 94-89 in a game that felt more like a track meet than a basketball game.
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Xavier Hall was the engine, dropping 16 points and facilitating an offense that shot over 56% from the floor. When this team shares the ball—they had 26 assists on 32 field goals in that win—they are incredibly dangerous. But the defense is still a work in progress. Conference opponents are shooting about 50% against them, which is a number Coach Graves and Slessinger are undoubtedly losing sleep over.
Who Is Powering the Sycamores This Year?
If you haven't memorized the roster yet, there are a few names you absolutely need to know.
Ian Scott has been a revelation. According to the NCAA, he’s been hovering around the top 15 in the country for field goal percentage. He doesn't take bad shots. He's efficient, strong, and basically the anchor of the interior.
Then there’s Xavier Hall. The man is a walking assist. He entered the Murray State matchup with 492 career assists. Watching him navigate a pick-and-roll is worth the price of admission alone.
Enel St. Bernard and Sterling Young have also stepped up as consistent scoring threats. In the Illinois State win, they both chipped in 14 points, showing that this isn't a team that relies on just one superstar. It's a "by committee" approach that makes them harder to scout, even if it leads to some inconsistency.
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Navigating the Missouri Valley gauntlet
The "Valley" is notoriously weird. You can be the best team in the league on Tuesday and get blown out by the last-place team on Thursday. It's just the nature of mid-major basketball in the Midwest.
The current Indiana State University men's basketball schedule reflects that volatility. After the Murray State and Bradley road trips, the Sycamores will have played some of the toughest venues in the conference. If they can come out of January with a winning record in league play, they’ll be in a prime position for a high seed in "Arch Madness"—the MVC Tournament in St. Louis this March.
Key Stats to Watch
- Assist-to-Turnover Ratio: When the Sycamores keep turnovers under 10, they almost always win.
- Three-Point Defense: They've struggled to close out on shooters lately. Watch how they defend the perimeter against Murray State’s high-octane offense.
- Field Goal Percentage: Ian Scott’s efficiency is a barometer for the team. If he’s getting touches, the offense flows better.
Practical Steps for Sycamore Fans
If you're planning on following the team through the rest of the season, here’s how to stay locked in:
- Check the Official Site: Times and TV designations for the Indiana State University men's basketball schedule can shift due to network demands. Always double-check GoSycamores.com 24 hours before tip-off.
- Download the March On App: It’s the easiest way to get live stats and radio feeds if you're stuck in the car during a game.
- Hulman Center Tickets: For the upcoming home games against Drake and Valparaiso, buy tickets in advance. The student section has been revitalized, and the lower bowl is filling up faster than it has in previous years.
- Watch on ESPN+: Most MVC games are tucked away on ESPN’s streaming service. If you're a die-hard, it’s basically a requirement.
The journey to St. Louis is long. There will be nights where the shots don't fall and nights where the Hulman Center feels like the loudest place on earth. Either way, this 2025-26 team is proving they have the grit to compete with anyone in the Valley. Keep an eye on those road scores this week—they’ll tell us everything we need to know about where this season is headed.