"The Battle in the Bay" promises an electrifying atmosphere as two of college basketball's most prominent programs collide. The Florida State Seminoles, representing the ACC, will go head-to-head with the SEC's Texas A&M Aggies in a showdown that's sure to be a must-see for fans of both schools and college hoops.
“RPPI is looking forward to an exciting day of basketball in Tampa,” said RPPI President, Zach Franz. “We are grateful to work with such great partners at Benchmark International Arena, the Tampa Bay Sports Commission, Vinik Sports Group, and both Universities to deliver a top-tier event.”
“Our community is excited to welcome back the upcoming edition of NCAA Men’s March Madness and this event will help our community partners prepare so that we’re ready to put our best foot forward in March,” said Tampa Bay Sports Commission Executive Director, Rob Higgins. “Kudos to RPPI for bringing together two great basketball programs for what will be a special match-up at Benchmark International Arena on Nov. 28.”
The matchup features two Head Coaches leading their programs in their first season. The Seminoles, led by Coach Luke Loucks, will battle the Aggies, coached by Bucky McMillan. Both teams will be looking to secure a key non-conference victory early in the season to build their postseason resumes.
“We’re working tirelessly to build a championship-caliber program for our great Florida State fans. Every game we play against a quality opponent helps us grow and become a better basketball team. Playing Texas A&M is great for us in so many ways, they were ranked in the Top 15 nationally, a No. 4 seed in last year’s NCAA Tournament, and finished fifth in the SEC -- making this matchup a powerful test for us,” said FSU Men’s Basketball Head Coach, Luke Loucks. “Playing in Tampa also gives us the chance to showcase our team in one of Florida’s largest cities, home to a vibrant community of Seminole supporters. This game strengthens our program and provides our players with valuable experience as we prepare for the rest of our non-conference slate and the upcoming ACC schedule."
The Maroon & White are led by head coach Bucky McMillan, who arrived in Aggieland last spring after leading the Samford Bulldogs to three Southern Conference Championships while averaging more than 23 wins in each of the past four seasons with the Bulldogs. The three-time SoCon Coach of the Year has re-tooled a roster that featured just a single returnee with 14 newcomers, including 12 transfers from Division I schools. Texas A&M is the only school to sign five players in the transfer portal all rated inside the Top 100 at EvanMiya.com. The Aggies are coming off their third-straight trip to the NCAA and fourth straight 20-win season in 2024-25.
"We’re looking forward to participating in the Battle in the Bay in Tampa this November versus a strong basketball program in Florida State University. I have great respect for their athletic accomplishments and am excited to be starting this series,” said Texas A&M Men’s Basketball Head Coach, Bucky McMillan. “I think this year and next year’s games will be something that both fan bases can rally around. I just hope our fans leave happier than theirs.”
The last time these two programs faced each other was in a close first round game of the 2011 NCAA Tournament, with FSU defeating Texas A&M 57-50. 14 years later, this neutral-site match-up has all of the components to be a thrilling event.
