A Bold Nonconference Slate
The University of Kentucky’s Western Kentucky Hilltopper basketball program has released its 2026‑27 nonconference slate, a carefully curated lineup that pits the team against a mix of traditional rivals and national powerhouses. Announced by head coach Hank Plona, the schedule is intended to test the roster, foster growth and position the Hilltoppers for a serious run at the Conference USA championship.
Exhibition Openers
Two exhibition matchups will kick off the campaign: a home clash with Bowling Green on October 20, followed by a road test against Indiana on October 25. Both games serve as early gauges of the team’s chemistry and depth before the regular season officially begins.
The regular season opens on November 2 with a home game against Morehead State. From there, the Hilltoppers will host Kentucky Wesleyan on November 5, travel to Tennessee Tech on November 8, and return home to face Campbellsville on November 11 before heading to Tulsa for a road contest on November 16.
A highlight of the early November stretch is the Greenbrier Tip‑Off tournament in West Virginia, scheduled for November 20‑22. WKU will square off against Richmond and George Washington in back‑to‑back contests that promise high‑intensity play.
After the tournament, the Hilltoppers will journey to Illinois to meet the NCAA Final Four participant on November 27, adding a marquee road test to the schedule. December brings a series of home games against Belmont on December 1, UAB on December 12 and Lipscomb on December 16, as well as a trip to Evansville on December 5.
Championship Aspirations
The slate concludes with a neutral‑site showdown against Tulane in Fort Lauderdale on December 22, followed by a final home game against Bethel (Tenn.) on December 28. WKU’s nonconference record currently reflects wins over Morehead State, Kentucky Wesleyan and Tennessee Tech, while losses have come at the hands of Tulsa and Illinois. The ultimate objective, as Plona has emphasized, is to translate this challenging preparation into a Conference USA championship.