The Monmouth University men's basketball team is slated to open its 2026‑27 season at the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame Tip‑Off, where it will meet Rhode Island in the first round at the Mohegan Sun Arena in Uncasville, Connecticut.
The game, scheduled for November 7, 2026, marks the second ever meeting between the Hawks and the Rams, the first having taken place during the 2008 campaign in West Long Branch, New Jersey, when Rhode Island secured a victory.
Head coach King Rice, now in his 15th year at the helm, said he is thrilled to bring the program to such a prestigious event and to test his squad against a storied opponent.
A milestone for Monmouth basketball
The Tip‑Off tournament also features Providence and Nebraska, rounding out a field that promises high‑profile matchups and a showcase of emerging talent.
Ticket sales will begin on September 11 through Ticketmaster, with a second wave on September 12 at the Mohegan Sun Arena Box Office, giving fans ample opportunity to secure seats for what promises to be an electric atmosphere.
The event underscores Monmouth’s growing reputation on the national stage and reflects the university’s commitment to competitive athletics.