Maine Announces 2026‑27 Non‑Conference Schedule
The University of Maine men's basketball program revealed its full slate of non‑conference matchups for the upcoming 2026‑27 season, a 16‑game lineup that blends early‑season road tests with a substantial home schedule at Memorial Gym.
Six of those contests will be played on Skip Chappelle Court, the familiar hardwood that has hosted countless memorable moments for the Black Bears. The schedule was unveiled this week, giving fans a chance to map out a season that begins with a two‑game swing across the Northeast.
Opening Road Trip
Maine kicks off the campaign with a back‑to‑back road trip that starts in Providence, Rhode Island, on November 2, where the Bears will meet the Friars for the first time since the 2016‑17 season. Just three days later, the team travels to Connecticut to take on Sacred Heart on November 5, marking the start of the America East‑MAAC Challenge.
The early road games set a demanding tone, testing the squad’s depth and resilience before they return to Orono for their first home appearance against Manhattan on November 8, a program‑first matchup that promises a lively crowd at Memorial Gym.
Home Games and Mid‑Season Road Trips
After a brief stint at home, the Bears head to Drexel on November 14 before embarking on a five‑game road stretch that includes stops at Quinnipiac and UMass on November 21. The road swing continues into December, with additional contests at Boston University and Stony Brook later in the month.
Maine will host a series of home games that include a showdown with Boston University on December 12, a rematch of last season’s 69‑59 victory, and a contest against UMaine‑Augusta on December 1, providing a chance for younger players to gain experience in front of local fans.
Lafayette Classic and Final Stretch
The non‑conference slate culminates in the Lafayette Classic from November 27‑29, where Maine will share the bracket with Niagara and Le Moyne, offering a compact but competitive set of games that will sharpen the team’s tournament readiness.
The regular season wraps up on December 29 with a game against Brown in Providence, closing a schedule that has taken the Black Bears from the Ocean State to the Green Mountains and back again, while giving the fan base ample opportunities to follow the team throughout the fall.