PENSACOLA, Fla. (Interstat) — The Pensacola State Pirates and the Itawamba Indians will tip off their 2025-26 men’s basketball seasons against each other on Friday, Oct. 31.

Both junior college programs enter the season opener with identical 0-0 records, looking to establish a new identity after the conclusion of the previous campaign.

Itawamba last took the court in March 2024, falling 74-64 to Pearl River in its season finale. The Indians will follow their trip to Pensacola with a quick turnaround, hosting Coastal Alabama the next day on Nov. 1.

Pensacola State also ended its previous season with a loss, dropping a 75-51 decision on the road to Northwest Florida State in late February 2024. The Pirates will remain at home for their second game, hosting Mississippi Gulf Coast on Saturday.

The Friday night matchup will be the first of a challenging opening stretch for both teams. Itawamba’s early schedule includes a rematch with Shelton State on Nov. 6, while Pensacola State faces a road test at Lawson State on Nov. 8.