A Nonconference Gauntlet
The University at Albany announced its 2026‑27 men's basketball nonconference slate, a schedule that blends historic rivalries with fresh challenges. Beginning with a trip to University Park, Pennsylvania, the Great Danes will meet Penn State for the second time in program history, a rematch that carries the weight of a breakthrough victory from a decade ago.
The upcoming Dec. 1 contest at Bryce Jordan Center marks the second meeting between the two schools. The first encounter came on Nov. 11, 2016, when UAlbany stunned Penn State 87‑81 in the Naismith Hall of Fame Tip‑Off, securing the program's inaugural Big Ten win. That game featured a breakout performance from then‑freshman Joe Cremo, who contributed 22 points, while Dallas Ennema and David Nichols added 20 and 19 points respectively.
A Return to Penn State
Penn State's coaching staff includes Talor Battle, a former Bishop Maginn high school star and Penn State alumnus who previously served as an assistant at Northwestern and Ohio State. Battle is entering his second season with the Nittany Lions, having spent the 2020‑21 campaign on the staff before returning to his alma mater. His presence adds a personal storyline to the rematch, as he now helps shape the team he once played for.
The Great Danes will also travel to Syracuse on Nov. 25 and to St. Bonaventure on Dec. 16, while hosting Siena on Dec. 12. A home game against Penn State Altoona, a Division III program, is slated for Dec. 29, rounding out a diverse slate that tests the team against a variety of competition levels.
Other Road Tests
Additional nonconference opponents include Manhattan on Nov. 5 and Merrimack on Nov. 8, both part of the America East‑Metro Basketball Challenge. These early‑season matchups provide the Great Danes with an opportunity to gauge their progress and build momentum before conference play begins.
Home Games and the Metro Challenge
The schedule also features a home game against Siena on Dec. 12, offering fans a chance to see the team in front of a familiar crowd. The mix of road and home contests reflects a deliberate strategy to balance exposure, develop resilience, and prepare for the rigors of the America East Conference.
Beyond the on‑court action, the program’s coaching staff includes Dwayne Killings, Ollie Engen, and Mike Rhoades, who bring a blend of playing and developmental experience. Their contributions underscore the program’s commitment to growth both on and off the hardwood.