The stage is set for a thrilling first-round matchup in the 2025 College Basketball Invitational (CBI) as the Elon Phoenix prepare to take on the Army Black Knights on March 23. Both teams enter the tournament looking to make a deep run and cap off their seasons on a high note.
The battle between Elon’s TK Simpkins and Army’s Jalen Rucker could be a deciding factor in this contest. While Simpkins has demonstrated an ability to take over games with his scoring, Rucker’s veteran leadership and experience make him a formidable counterpart. Additionally, Ryan Curry’s emergence as a secondary scoring option for Army adds another layer of intrigue to this showdown.
How to watch Elon vs. Army West Point basketball anywhere
- Date: Sunday, March 23, 2025
- Time: 2:40 PM ET
- Venue: Ocean Center | Daytona Beach, FL
- Live Stream: FloCollege or the SteadyFlix
The game will be streamed live and available on demand via FloCollege or SteadyFlix, allowing fans to enjoy all the action either in real time or at their convenience.
Game preview
Elon’s Road to the CBI
Elon, a member of the Colonial Athletic Association (CAA), finished the regular season with a 17-15 record. Among their notable victories was a statement road win over eventual CAA champion UNC Wilmington, an 81-70 triumph on February 15. That game showcased the scoring prowess of TK Simpkins, the Phoenix’s leading scorer, who erupted for 32 points to propel his team past the Seahawks.
The Phoenix also demonstrated their ability to compete against major conference teams earlier in the season when they secured an 84-77 victory over ACC opponent Notre Dame in late November. These performances highlight Elon’s capability of rising to the occasion against tough competition, making them a dangerous opponent in the CBI field.
Army’s Season in Review
Army enters the tournament with momentum following a key late-season victory over Patriot League champion American. The Black Knights claimed a 76-69 road win on February 19, even with their leading scorer, senior guard Jalen Rucker, having an off night. The victory was largely fueled by sophomore guard Ryan Curry, who delivered a standout performance witho 25 points—one of his best showings of the season.
With a disciplined approach and a battle-tested roster, Army is prepared for the challenge ahead. Their ability to grind out wins in tough environments will serve them well as they attempt to advance in the CBI.
CBI Tournament 2025 Teams
Here’s a look at the teams competing in this year’s CBI:
- Army West Point
- Cleveland State
- Elon
- Florida Gulf Coast
- Illinois State
- Jacksonville
- Manhattan
- Northern Arizona
- Presbyterian
- Queens University of Charlotte
- Incarnate Word (UIW)
CBI Tournament 2025 Schedule
The tournament will run from March 23 to March 26, with the championship game airing on ESPN2. Here’s the full schedule:
Sunday, March 23 (First Round)
- Manhattan vs. UIW, 12:00 PM | FloCollege
- Elon vs. Army West Point, 2:00 PM | FloCollege
- Queens vs. Northern Arizona, 4:00 PM | FloCollege
- Illinois State vs. Presbyterian, 6:00 PM | FloCollege
Monday, March 24 (Quarterfinals)
- TBA vs. Jacksonville, 12:00 PM | FloCollege
- TBA vs. FGCU, 2:00 PM | FloCollege
- TBA vs. Cleveland State, 6:30 PM | FloCollege
Tuesday, March 25 (Semifinals)
- 7:00 PM | ESPNU
- 9:00 PM | ESPNU
Wednesday, March 26 (Championship)
- 5:00 PM | ESPN2
