The America East Conference has announced its 2026‑27 women’s basketball schedule, setting up a slate of early‑season contests that feature a mix of returning postseason teams and fresh matchups.
Binghamton University will open its conference campaign at home on December 31 against UMBC, marking the first time since the 2001‑02 season that the Bearcats begin America East play before the New Year.
Rematches and Rivalries
A highly anticipated rematch will take place on January 30 when Binghamton hosts Bryant. The previous meeting in the 2026 quarterfinals ended 45‑44 in favor of the Bearcats, with Bella Pucci sinking a last‑second shot that still resonates with fans.
The Bearcats will also travel to Vermont on January 2 to face the defending champion, and they will return to Baltimore on January 28 for a showdown with UMBC. Another road trip takes them to New Hampshire on January 23, a rematch of the 2026 semifinals, with the return leg scheduled for February 25 at home.
Additional conference foes on the Bearcats’ calendar include UAlbany, UMass Lowell and New Hampshire, both at home and on the road, while NJIT will host Binghamton on January 16 and travel to face the Bearcats on February 6.
The schedule also highlights a series of games against other postseason qualifiers from last year, including UMBC, NJIT and Bryant, all of which advanced to the second round of the WNIT in 2026.
The America East tournament will conclude with the championship game on March 12, after quarterfinals on March 4 and semifinals on March 8, with the top eight teams qualifying for the event.
Andrew R. Mancini & Associates is listed as the presenting sponsor of Binghamton women’s basketball, underscoring the community and corporate support behind the program.