POPLAR BLUFF, Mo. (Interstat) — The Three Rivers Raiders and Gulf Coast State Commodores will tip off their 2025-26 men’s basketball seasons against each other in the 1st Midwest Bank Classic on Friday, Oct. 31.

Both junior college programs enter the contest with 0-0 records, looking to start anew after losses in their final games of the previous season. Gulf Coast State last played on March 2, 2024, falling 87-69 to Northwest Florida State. Three Rivers concluded its season on March 7, 2024, with a 79-65 loss to Mineral Area.

The neutral-site matchup in Poplar Bluff serves as the opener for both teams. The Commodores will continue play in the classic on Saturday, Nov. 1, against Mineral Area. The Raiders will return home to host John A. Logan that same day.

The game provides an early test for each squad as they navigate challenging non-conference schedules. Gulf Coast State will play nine of its next ten games at home following the classic, while the Raiders will embark on a stretch that sees them play seven of their next eight contests on the road.