College basketball returns to Niceville this Thanksgiving week as the Emerald Coast Classic brings both men’s and women’s tournaments to Northwest Florida State College.
- The tournaments will showcase top college basketball talent over six days, with the women’s tournament taking place Nov. 24-25 and the men’s tournament following on Thanksgiving weekend, Nov. 28-29.
Eight women’s teams will compete in two brackets during the second annual women’s tournament. Mississippi State, Providence, Middle Tennessee State and Alcorn State will play in the Bay Bracket, while Nebraska, Virginia, Northwestern State and Purdue Fort Wayne comprise the Beach Bracket.
Tournament director Maury Hanks continues to build the women’s event alongside the established men’s tournament.
- “Our goal is to make this one of the top pre-season women’s college basketball events annually,” Hanks said.
The women’s competition begins Monday, Nov. 24, with Providence facing Middle Tennessee State at 11 a.m. central time, followed by Mississippi State playing Alcorn State at 1:30 p.m. Beach Bracket action starts that evening with Nebraska playing Purdue Fort Wayne at 5 p.m. and Virginia meeting Northwestern State at 7:30 p.m.
Championships and third-place games for both women’s brackets will be decided Tuesday, Nov. 25. The Bay Bracket’s third-place game starts at 11 a.m., with the championship at 1:30 p.m. Beach Bracket games follow at 5 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.
The men’s tournament features four teams competing at Raider Arena. DePaul faces Georgia Tech at 6 p.m. central time Friday, Nov. 28, while Drake plays LSU at 8:30 p.m. Saturday’s action includes the third-place game at 3 p.m. and the championship at 6 p.m.
LSU returns for its second Emerald Coast Classic appearance after claiming the 2021 title with a 75-61 victory over Wake Forest. Head coach Matt McMahon enters his fourth year with an incoming transfer class ranked No. 16 by 247sports.
Drake brings momentum from a school-record 31-4 season, sweeping Missouri Valley Conference regular season and tournament titles while reaching the second round of the 2025 NCAA Tournament. Eric Henderson was named the school’s 31st head coach March 28. The Bulldogs have advanced to three straight NCAA Tournaments.
Georgia Tech, under third-year coach Damon Stoudamire, posted a 17-17 record last season and advanced to the National Invitational Tournament. DePaul made its first postseason appearance since the 2018-19 season, reaching the first round of the 2025 College Basketball Crown under inaugural head coach Chris Holtmann, who previously led Ohio State to the 2023 Emerald Coast Classic championship.
Several women’s teams also bring strong credentials. Mississippi State posted a 22-12 record last season and advanced to the second round of the 2025 NCAA Women’s Basketball Tournament. Nebraska went 21-12 and also competed in the 2025 NCAA Women’s Basketball Tournament. Middle Tennessee State recorded a 26-8 mark and played in the 2025 WBIT.
The men’s tournament has gained recognition as one of the best in the NCAA, showcasing talent that annually attracts NBA scouts. CBS Sports Network televises both semifinal and championship rounds, providing national media exposure.
- The tournament attracts fans from across the country, with an estimated annual economic impact to the Emerald Coast community of more than $1 million. Many out-of-town visitors are first-time visitors to the area.
Tickets for both tournaments are available at www.emeraldcoastclassic.com.
