A packed slate ahead
Southern Illinois University’s men’s basketball program has unveiled its non‑conference slate for the 2026‑27 season, a schedule that blends home‑court showcase events with ambitious road trips.
Head coach Scott Nagy, who has overseen the program’s recent growth, announced the slate, highlighting five regular‑season games at the Banterra Center, where the Salukis will aim to energize the fan base.
The centerpiece of the non‑conference calendar is a three‑game stint at the Paradise Jam tournament in St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands, scheduled for late November, offering the team a chance to test its mettle against a national field.
Beyond the island competition, the Salukis will travel to face a Power Four opponent to close out the non‑conference portion, underscoring the program’s willingness to take on elite competition.
Exhibition games are set for October 19 against Lindenwood and October 25 versus Tennessee Tech, providing early tune‑ups before the regular season opener at home against Maryville on November 2.
The regular season then unfolds with a series of home and away fixtures, including a matchup at Kansas City’s UMKC on November 6, a home game versus Richmond on November 12, and a neutral‑site contest in Charlotte, North Carolina, on November 17.
After the Thanksgiving break, the team will host Portland State on November 28 and Washington State on December 3, before a regional showdown with Southeast Missouri State on December 9 at Banterra Center.
The non‑conference slate wraps up with road games at Arkansas‑Little Rock on December 12 and at Arizona State on December 29, rounding out a demanding schedule that tests depth and resilience.
Looking ahead
Coach Nagy emphasized that the schedule is designed not only to showcase the program’s strengths but also to prepare the squad for the rigors of Missouri Valley Conference play.
With a blend of home‑court advantages, neutral‑site challenges, and high‑profile road trips, the Salukis aim to build momentum as they head into the next phase of the season.