Crossroads Classic Extended Through 2019

You can file this under the "We want to make a ton of money selling out Bankers Life Fieldhouse for two games every year." Pacers Sports and Entertainment announced today that the Crossroads Classic has been extended through 2019:

One of college basketball's premier non-conference events will continue to be played at Bankers Life Fieldhouse in Indianapolis. The additional dates and matchups are Dec. 16, 2017 (Purdue vs. Butler and Notre Dame vs. Indiana), Dec. 15, 2018 (Purdue vs. Notre Dame and Butler vs. Indiana) and Dec. 21, 2019 (Purdue vs. Butler and Notre Dame vs. Indiana).

The three-year cycle is in addition to previously-announced games on Dec. 19, 2015 (Purdue vs. Butler and Notre Dame vs. Indiana) and Dec. 17, 2016 (Purdue vs. Notre Dame and Butler vs. Indiana).

This is a great idea, even though Purdue is now 0-3 in the event. Butler and Notre Dame have dominated, going a combined 5-1 in the first three years. It also, with Purdue's ACC/Big Ten Challenge commitments and the upcoming Gavitt, makes sure Purdue has at least three marquee non-conference opponents each season.

Butler has been the best team, going 3-0 with an exciting comeback against Purdue in the first event and a win over No.1 Indiana the following year.