St. Thomas set to reignite St. John's rivalry at new arena

Originally posted on Bring Me The News | By Tony Liebert | Last updated Aug 22, 2025 11:50 AM ET

St. Thomas has not played longtime rival St. John's in men's basketball since its historic jump to Division I before the 2021-22 season. However, the rivalry will be reignited when they meet at the brand new Lee & Penny Anderson Arena on December 11.

"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," Tommies head coach Johnny Tauer said in a release. "I have the utmost respect for their program and [coach Pat McKenzie], 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."

A tradition returns.

NEWS: Tommies, Johnnies to meet in Lee & Penny Anderson Arena Dec. 11

STORY - https://t.co/wdDGDN2pFL #RollToms pic.twitter.com/wtVcN9PVX9
— St. Thomas Athletics (@TommieAthletics) August 22, 2025

The Tommies will open Lee & Penny Anderson Arena on November 8 against Army. The school announced its Summit League slate on Wednesday, but it has yet to announce its entire nonconference schedule.

"St. Thomas is excited to welcome Saint John's back to St. Paul during our inaugural season in Lee & Penny Anderson Arena," UST athletic director Phil Esten said in a release. "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."

Although St. Thomas now competes at Division I, and St. John's is still at Division III, their December 11 meeting will likely be one of the most highly-anticipated games on the Tommies' 2025-26 schedule.

This article first appeared on Bring Me The News and was syndicated with permission.

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