 In 1995 the Flyers accepted an invitation to join the A10, where they remain today.Purnell guided the Flyers to the 1998 NIT, the school's first post-season appearance in eight seasons.Purnell would lead the Flyers back to the NCAA tournament in 2000 following the Co-SIDA Classic Championship, an 11–5 conference record and non-conference victories over #12 ranked Kentucky, New Mexico, and rival Marquette.