The St. Thomas-St. John’s rivalry effectively ceased to exist when the Tommies made the jump to Division-I athletics after being dumped from the MIAC.
But some traditions die hard.
The rivalry will be renewed on the hardwood in December, with the men’s basketball teams squaring off Dec. 11 at the new Lee & Penny Anderson Arena in St. Paul.
Division-III games have no bearing on postseason metrics for Division-I schools, so they’re effectively exhibitions. Every Summit League School schedules three Division-III opponents each season as a way to get non-conference home games, which are a bear for smaller mid-major Division-I programs to schedule.
Tommies coach John Tauer said it is “a game that we felt would be attractive to both fan and alumni bases, as well as the entire basketball community in the state of Minnesota.”
Tauer also cited his respect for St. John’s coach Pat McKenzie and the Johnnies program. St. John’s won the MIAC title again last season.
“It is common for Division I men’s basketball programs to play select Division III programs,” St. Thomas athletic director Phil Esten said, “and the Johnnies are a fitting opponent, as we continue to honor our past while welcoming a new era of Tommie Athletics.”
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