What happened: Syracuse awaits Nov. 9 at Gainbridge Fieldhouse before Arkansas on Nov. 17 at Madison Square Garden. Kentucky follows Nov. 20 at Lucas Oil Stadium, while Missouri and UCF visit Bloomington.
Why it matters: The three neutral-site games concentrate Indiana’s toughest stretch away from campus. Home dates with Missouri and UCF provide the only high-major opportunities at Assembly Hall.
By the numbers: Bellarmine improved from 5-26 in 2024-25 to 13-19 last season. Arkansas enters after consecutive Sweet 16 appearances and an eight-player freshman class.
What to watch: The schedule opens Nov. 2 against Eastern Illinois. The Syracuse-Arkansas-Kentucky run from Nov. 9-20 will offer the first sustained test.