SIUE men's basketball coach Brian Barone unveiled the complete non-conference schedule for the 2026-27 season, setting the stage for a demanding slate of games that will test the team's depth and resolve.
The plan calls for nine home contests at First Community Arena in Edwardsville, giving the Cougars a familiar backdrop as they navigate the early part of the year.
Home games at First Community Arena
The season opens with an exhibition matchup against Arkansas State on October 24, 2026, before the regular schedule kicks off with home games against Eureka on November 2, Concordia-Chicago on November 4, North Park on November 19, Northern Illinois on November 25, and UTSA on November 29.
December brings three additional home dates, featuring Denver on December 5, North Dakota on December 9, and Missouri Baptist on December 13, while the road map presents a series of high‑profile opponents, highlighted by a first‑ever meeting with Duke on November 13.
Further away trips are slated against Lipscomb on November 7, Missouri on November 9, Indiana State on December 2, Valparaiso on December 18, and Kansas City on December 21, completing a varied and challenging non‑conference lineup that sits alongside the previously announced Ohio Valley Conference schedule.