MILWAUKEE – Games against six programs that competed in the postseason a year ago – including three that played into the second round of the NCAA Tournament – will highlight the Milwaukee men's basketball 2026-27 non-conference schedule, announced today by head coach
Bart Lundy.
The Panthers will face a challenging 12-game slate that features eight road contests and four games at home, with the schedule getting underway Nov. 2 at USC.
"Our 2026-27 non-conference schedule is extremely challenging and will give us a chance to compete against some of the best teams in the country," Lundy said. "We have a lot of games on the road, including some great opportunities against teams that had a lot of success last season. It will be a great test for our team and should prepare us well for Horizon League play."
The schedule includes three teams that advanced to the second round of the NCAA Tournament last season in TCU, Florida and Vanderbilt. Santa Clara also earned an NCAA Tournament berth, while St. Thomas and UIC competed in the NIT.
The Panthers will also face South Dakota State, a program that has made seven NCAA Tournament appearances over the last 14 seasons.
Milwaukee opens the campaign with a challenging West Coast swing, beginning with a first-ever meeting with USC on Nov. 2. The Trojans went 18-14 a year ago.
Just two days later, the Panthers will make the short trip to Santa Clara for a Nov. 4 matchup with the Broncos. Santa Clara finished 26-9 last season, including a 15-3 mark in West Coast Conference play, and advanced to the NCAA Tournament.
Milwaukee returns home Nov. 8 to host Ripon before hitting the road again for a Nov. 11 contest at Indiana State. The Sycamores finished 11-21 a year ago but are just a few seasons removed from a 32-7 campaign.
The Panthers then face one of the nation's top teams in Fort Worth, Texas, with a Nov. 13 matchup at TCU. The Horned Frogs went 23-12 last season and advanced to the second round of the NCAA Tournament.
Following a brief break, Milwaukee returns home Nov. 21 to welcome St. Thomas. The Tommies put together a 24-10 campaign last season and advanced to the NIT.
The Panthers then head south for one of the marquee games of the non-conference slate, traveling to Gainesville for a Nov. 24 meeting with Florida. The Gators went 27-8 a year ago and reached the second round of the NCAA Tournament.
The month concludes Nov. 29 at Oregon State. The Beavers went 17-16 last season and were particularly strong at home, posting a 12-5 record in Corvallis.
December begins with another challenging road matchup, as Milwaukee travels to South Dakota State Dec. 8. The Jackrabbits have established themselves as one of the nation's most consistent mid-major programs, earning seven NCAA Tournament appearances over the last 14 seasons.
The Panthers return home Dec. 12 to host UIC. The Flames went 19-16 last season and advanced to the NIT.
Milwaukee then travels to Little Rock for a Dec. 15 contest before closing the non-conference schedule with another first-ever matchup, this time against Vanderbilt on Dec. 21.
The Commodores finished 27-9 last season, including a 13-3 record at home, and advanced to the second round of the NCAA Tournament.
Game times and television/broadcast information will be announced when finalized.
For the complete 2026-27 Milwaukee men's basketball schedule, visit mkepanthers.com.
