Pirates and Mountaineers Renew Basketball Rivalry
Basketball fans,mark your calendars! East Carolina and Appalachian State have just announced a four-game,home-and-home men’s basketball series set to ignite the courts over the next four years. The rivalry is back, promising exciting matchups and fierce competition.
Series Tip-Off
The initial face-off is scheduled for December 11, 2025, and will be hosted at East Carolina’s Williams Arena. Get ready for an electric atmosphere as the Pirates welcome the Mountaineers to their home turf.
Rotating Courts
Each season, the series will alternate between the two universities’ home courts, ensuring that fans from both sides get a chance to cheer on their teams in person. This balanced approach adds to the excitement and anticipation of each game.
Upcoming Games
Following the initial game, the East Carolina Pirates will journey to Boone to challenge the appalachian State Mountaineers at the Holmes Center in 2026. The following year, in 2027, App State will visit East Carolina at Minges Coliseum. The series will then conclude in 2028 wiht the Pirates making a final trip to Boone.
A Storied History
East Carolina and App State have a rich history, having clashed 64 times previously. Their most recent encounter occurred in Boone on November 12, 2019. Currently, the Pirates hold the advantage in the all-time series with a 37-27 record, having secured victory in three of their last four meetings. The teams consistently played each other from 1998-99 to 2001-02.
series Schedule
Here’s a breakdown of the upcoming games:
- Dec. 11,2025: East Carolina vs. App State (Minges Coliseum)
- 2026-27 Season: east Carolina at App State (Holmes Center)
- 2027-28 Season: East Carolina vs. App State (Minges Coliseum)
- 2028-29 Season: East Carolina at App State (Holmes Center)
According to the NCAA, basketball viewership has increased by 15% in the last five years, demonstrating the growing interest in college basketball (NCAA.com).
