The University of New Mexico (UNM) has released its 2026‑27 Mountain West men’s basketball schedule, a 29‑game lineup that mixes conference battles with a demanding nonconference slate.
Conference opener
The Lobos open conference play on January 2 at home against UTEP and will close the regular season on March 2 in Reno against Nevada, a matchup that could decide the Mountain West title.
Coach Eric Olen, now in his second year, will guide the team through a schedule that includes a Hawaii swing on January 26 and a series of exhibition games against Oklahoma State, Washington State and several Pit opponents such as Utah Tech and Northern Arizona.
Exhibition road trip
The nonconference portion features a trip to Hawaii, a home series against Utah Tech and Northern Arizona, and neutral‑site contests at Oklahoma State and Washington State, providing early-season tests before conference action begins.
Storylines and legacy
UNLV’s new head coach Josh Pastner has challenged Pit fans to boo him on January 13, recalling the late Lute Olson’s refusal to play in the arena decades earlier, adding a narrative layer to the season.
A potential conference‑title game in Reno could pit UNM against Nevada, a team coached by former UNM player Steve Alford alongside Craig Neal, linking past and present coaches in a personal rivalry.
Media‑rights considerations may shift some Tuesday and Saturday games to Wednesday or Friday nights, a adjustment that could affect broadcast timing and fan attendance.
With three nonconference slots still pending, UNM may add Division II programs such as Eastern New Mexico University or Western New Mexico University before the season begins.