As announced on Monday (Sept. 29) afternoon, Ashland University's men's basketball team will play an exhibition game vs. Northern Kentucky on Oct. 20 at 6 p.m. at the University of Dayton Arena.
The game will be part of the CareSource Invitational – Dayton, which raises awareness and funds for resources that empower children and teens to thrive.
"We are excited to have the opportunity to play in a venue that is the best in the state, against an opponent that will help us prepare for the upcoming season," said Ashland head coach
John Ellenwood.
The Ashland-NKU game is part of a doubleheader on Oct. 20, which also will feature Wright State and Ohio University playing each other in Game 2.
Proceeds from the event will benefit Jay's Light, a nonprofit founded in memory of University of Dayton Coach Anthony Grant's daughter, Jayda, who died in 2022 as a result of mental illness. Jay's Light works to raise awareness and provide resources for mental health struggles among youth and young adults.
"Playing in a doubleheader event like this is great," Ellenwood said, "but it's even more important what we're doing to help CareSource advance the discussion on mental health advocacy."
Former Eagle guard
David Harris is an assistant coach for the Norse.
"This exhibition is also special in the sense that one of Northern Kentucky's assistant coaches is former Ashland men's basketball great David Harris. He is one of the best coaches I know, and I am extremely proud to call him one of ours."
Tickets for the CareSource Invitational – Dayton are $20, and are good for both games. They are available online via Ticketmaster
HERE. Buyers can indicate which school they support during the ticket purchasing process, and schools will receive 100 percent of these sales. For ticket sales without a school selected, as well as day-of-event walk-up purchases, 100 percent of ticket revenue will be donated to Jay's Light.
In 2024-25, Ashland men's basketball went 15-13 overall and 11-9 in the Great Midwest Athletic Conference, and qualified for a conference tournament for the 11
th straight season.
Ashland men's basketball has earned 210 victories and two conference championships, and made four NCAA Division II postseason appearances, over the last 11 seasons.
The Eagles will begin the new regular season on Nov. 14 vs. Grand Valley State at Owens Community College.
