LSU Tigers Set to Clash with Drake in Thrilling Emerald Coast Classic!

Niceville, Florida, USA - The anticipation is building as the LSU Tigers gear up to face off against the Drake Bulldogs in the opening round of the 2025 Emerald Coast Classic basketball tournament. This exciting matchup is set to unfold on November 28, 2025, in Niceville, Florida. Alongside LSU and Drake, the tournament will also feature Georgia Tech and DePaul, promising a competitive atmosphere for college basketball fans.

As highlighted by LSU Sports, the games will begin on November 28, with the semifinal showdown of DePaul against Georgia Tech kicking off the action at 6 p.m. CT, followed by LSU’s contest with Drake at 8:30 p.m. CT. After a thrilling day of competition, the tournament will wrap up with the third-place game at 3 p.m. CT on November 29, leading into the championship finale.

Past Performances and Current Expectations

The history of the Emerald Coast Classic adds a layer of intrigue. This year marks LSU’s return to the tournament, in which they previously claimed victory in 2021 against Wake Forest with a decisive 75-61 score. They also triumphed in a thrilling overtime game against Penn State, demonstrating the team’s competitive spirit and prowess on the court.

In last season’s performance, Drake achieved an impressive record of 31 wins, laying claim to both the Missouri Valley Conference regular season and tournament titles, not to mention reaching the second round of the 2025 NCAA Tournament. On the other hand, Georgia Tech, led by coach Damon Stoudamire, wrapped up the past season with a split record of 17-17 and made a mark by advancing to the National Invitational Tournament. DePaul, under Chris Holtmann, made strides by completing their first postseason appearance since the 2018-19 season, competing fiercely in the 2025 College Basketball Crown.

Tournament Details and Coverage

The Emerald Coast Classic has been a staple of Thanksgiving basketball since its inception in 2014, primarily organized by Global Sports, which has managed over 57 multi-team college basketball tournaments since 2007. As noted by Wikipedia, the tournament is structured to include initial rounds hosted at on-campus sites, with the final rounds taking place at Northwest Florida State College, a prime location for basketball enthusiasts.

The televised games on CBS Sports Network assure that fans will not miss a moment of the action, heightening the excitement around the event even further. Tickets for the tournament are expected to go on sale later this summer, promising access to an exhilarating weekend of collegiate basketball.

Looking Ahead

As teams shuffle their rosters and make use of the transfer portal for the upcoming 2025-26 season, all eyes are on how LSU will shape its squad. With their previous success in the tournament, plus the competing teams eager to make their mark, it’s clear that this event will deliver intense matchups and emotional moments.

Whether you bleed purple and gold or have a soft spot for the Bulldogs, this is one event fans won’t want to miss. So, mark your calendars for November 28-29 and prepare for what promises to be an unforgettable experience at the Emerald Coast Classic!