University of St. Thomas Athletics
Tommie men's basketball to welcome Saint John's in nonconference play
8/22/2025 9:58:00 AM | Men's Basketball, Lee & Penny Anderson Arena
ST. PAUL, MINN. – The University of St. Thomas will welcome a familiar foe to Lee & Penny Anderson Arena in 2025-26. On Friday, Vice President and Director of Athletics Phil Esten, along with Head Men's Basketball Coach Johnny Tauer announced St. Thomas will host Saint John's University in a nonconference contest on December 11.
"St. Thomas is excited to welcome Saint John's back to St. Paul during our inaugural season in Lee & Penny Anderson Arena," said Esten. "It is common for Division I men's basketball programs to play select Division III programs, and the Johnnies are a fitting opponent, as we continue to honor our past while welcoming a new era of Tommie Athletics."
This will be the first meeting between the two teams since St. Thomas began reclassification to Division I in 2021. Dating back to 1985, the Tommies own a 55-28 record against Saint John's, claiming three of the last four contests against their old Minnesota Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (MIAC) rival. St. Thomas swept the Johnnies in its final season of Division III play, defeating Saint John's 76-64 in Schoenecker Arena before earning an 82-80 victory in Collegeville, Minnesota.
"Welcoming St. John's into our new home at Lee & Penny Anderson 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," commented Tauer, who is 14-10 all-time against Saint John's. "I have the utmost respect for their program and Coach Mckenize, and I've had the unique privilege of being able to be a part of these games as a player, assistant coach, and head coach."
The addition of Saint John's as a nonconference opponent comes months after Esten announced the Tommies will open Lee & Penny Anderson Arena against Army, Lee Anderson's alma mater. Season tickets for the inaugural season in the new arena remain on sale and can be purchased at www.tommiesports.com/tickets.
