A Milestone Opener
The Manhattan Jaspers men’s basketball team will tip off the 2026‑27 season on Tuesday, November 3, when they travel to Lexington, Kentucky, to face the Wildcats in Rupp Arena. The game represents the first-ever meeting between the two schools in over 100 years of combined history.
Coach John Gallagher expressed enthusiasm for the challenge, noting that confronting a premier program like Kentucky offers a unique test for his squad. Gallagher, who has yet to record a win against an SEC opponent, hopes the experience will sharpen his team for the remainder of the non‑conference slate.
Historical context adds weight to the matchup. The Jaspers’ last victory over an SEC opponent came in 2013, when they defeated South Carolina 86‑68, a game highlighted by George Beamon’s 26 points. Since then, the team has struggled against SEC competition, finishing with a 7‑20 record in such contests.
Kentucky arrives in the opener fresh off a 22‑14 season under new head coach Mark Pope. The Wildcats captured 14 wins at home last year, ten of which were in SEC play, and advanced to the second round of the NCAA Tournament after beating Santa Clara in the opening round.
Beyond the Kentucky game, Manhattan will also test itself against UAlbany and the University of Maine later in November, rounding out a diverse non‑conference slate.
The roster for the upcoming season features a blend of returning talent and new additions. Quron Elliott will serve as the team’s leading scorer, supported by transfers Ben Tweedy and Josiah Sabino. The Jaspers will also welcome freshmen Isaac Johnson, Anthony Pacciarelli, Ognjen Stankovic, and Dušan Eric to the lineup.
Looking Ahead
With the season opener looming, the Jaspers hope to translate the experience of facing a powerhouse like Kentucky into early momentum. The upcoming games will provide valuable opportunities for the new players to acclimate and for Coach Gallagher to fine‑tune his strategies before conference play begins.