GEORGE TOWN, GRAND CAYMAN, CAYMAN ISLANDS – The two-time defending Southland Conference regular season and tournament champion McNeese Cowboys, 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 State, 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 will face George Washington in the tournament's opening game at 5 p.m. Eastern Time on Sunday, Nov. 23, followed by Murray State against Middle Tennessee State at 7:30 p.m. ET.

Middle Tennessee State will play George Washington in the first game Monday, Nov. 24, at 5 p.m. ET, with McNeese tangling with Murray State at 7:30 p.m. ET.
 
Tuesday's matchups features Middle Tennessee State against McNeese at 5 p.m. ET and George Washington meeting Murray State at 7:30 p.m. ET.
 
First-year coach Bill Armstrong inherits a McNeese 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.
 
"We're thrilled to participate in such a prestigious event, set in one of the most beautiful locations in the world," said Armstrong. "Competing against three programs with strong traditions of postseason success will be a significant early test for our team. Each matchup will present unique challenges and provide a valuable gauge of where we stand. It's a great opportunity to learn, grow, and identify the areas we need to improve as we prepare for conference play."
 
Middle Tennessee State 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."

Travel packages are now available, along with all-tournament and booster passes. For more details, visit caymanislandsclassic.com.
 
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