A Fresh Schedule for the Pilots
The University of Portland’s athletics department unveiled the 2026‑27 non‑conference basketball schedules for both the men’s and women’s teams, setting the stage for a season that blends familiar rivalries with new challenges.
The women’s program, known as the Lady Pilots, finished the previous campaign with a 20‑15 overall record and an 11‑7 mark in West Coast Conference play. Building on that foundation, the squad returns every eligible player from last year and adds four promising newcomers, giving the coaching staff depth and versatility as they prepare for a demanding slate of games.
The Lady Pilots will test themselves against some of the nation’s top programs, beginning with a first‑time meeting against Stanford on November 22, 2026, a rematch that last occurred in 2022. A week later, they travel to face Princeton, a team that posted a 26‑4 record and a 12‑2 conference slate the previous season. The schedule also includes a road game at Oregon’s Matthew Knight Arena on December 16, 2026, where the Pilots will meet the Ducks in a Pacific Northwest showdown.
The men’s team opens its season at home against Willamette on November 2, 2026, before embarking on a West Coast road trip that includes participation in the Rainbow Classic in Hawaii from November 6‑9. Later in November, the Pilots will compete in the Acrisure Series in Palm Desert, California, before returning home for Thanksgiving matchups against Stanford and UC Davis.
Coaching staff highlighted the experience returning to the roster, noting that six players from the previous 15‑19 overall season will be back, while nine new recruits have joined the program. This blend of veteran presence and fresh talent aims to elevate the team’s competitiveness across the non‑conference schedule.
Both programs share a common goal: to use the non‑conference slate as a proving ground ahead of West Coast Conference play. The Lady Pilots are eyeing a competitive season that could see them climb the national rankings, while the men’s squad hopes to translate early‑season experiences into momentum for the remainder of the year.