Editor: The following is part of a press release from caymanislandsclassic.com.
(George Town, Grand Caymans, Cayman Islands) – McNeese State, which advanced to the second round of the 2025 NCAA Tournament, headlines the tournament field for the 2025 Cayman Islands Classic.
George Washington, Middle Tennessee, and Murray State also will play in the seventh edition of the tournament hosted by Caymax Sports Ltd. The event will take place Nov. 23-25 at John Gray Gymnasium in George Town, Grand Cayman, just minutes from the world-famous Seven Mile Beach.
McNeese State will face George Washington in the tournament’s opening game at 5 p.m. on Sunday, Nov. 23, followed by Murray State against Middle Tennessee at 7:30 p.m.
MTSU will play George Washington in the first game Monday, Nov. 24, at 5 p.m., with McNeese State tangling with Murray State at 7:30 p.m.
Tuesday’s matchups features MTSU against McNeese State at 5 p.m. and George Washington meeting Murray State at 7:30 p.m.
First-year coach Bill Armstrong inherits a McNeese State team that posted a 28–7 record last season while earning the program’s first-ever NCAA Tournament win with a 69–67 victory over Clemson in the first round. The Cowboys have swept the last two Southland Conference regular-season and tournament championships.
Middle Tennessee had a 22–12 record in 2024-25, advancing to the National Invitation Tournament under head coach Nick McDevitt. Chris Caputo returns for his third year as head coach at George Washington which plays in the Atlantic 10 Conference. Ryan Miller enters his first year as head coach at Murray State looking to improve on the team’s 16–17 record from last year.
“We’re excited to welcome these outstanding programs to this year’s Cayman Islands Classic,” said Joe Wright, owner and chief executive officer of Caymax Sports Ltd. “They’re in for a first-class experience — both on the court and in the beautiful Cayman Islands. It’s going to be a special week of competition, camaraderie, and unforgettable memories for teams and fans alike.”
Cayman Islands Classic History
2024 — Boston College, champion; Boise State, runner-up
2023 — Utah State, champion; Stephen F. Austin, runner-up
2022 — Kansas State, champion; LSU, runner-up
2019 — George Mason, champion; New Mexico State, runner-up
2018 — Creighton, champion; Clemson, runner-up
2017 — Cincinnati, champion; Wyoming, runner-up
Twitter Feed
ICYMI: @DrakeBulldogsMB is the latest @ValleyHoops squad to sign on for an MTE. Very good field. #FatherHarry
Love listening to NBA coverage and have the analyst talk about how @DrewHanlen helped Haliburton adjust his game for that pivotal second finals win. Drew, we're happy for and proud of you in #TheLou.
More @ValleyHoops MTE news. @DrakeBulldogsMB is headed to the Emerald Coast Classic with a great field. #FatherHarry
NCAA made some rule changes. Coaches being able to challenge is probably good, but will make the games slow down even more. How will officials decide this continuation rule? That opens so many new options that will be controversial. We'll see!
