Teams and Matchups for the Inaugural America East – Metro Conference Basketball Challenge Announced
6/1/2026 11:00:00 AM | Men's Basketball
EDISON, N.J.-- The America East Conference and Metro Conference today announced the participating schools and the full schedule of games for the inaugural America East – Metro Basketball Challenge, set for the start of the 2026 men's and women's basketball seasons. The Sacred Heart University men's basketball team will play in two games in the challenge.
The Pioneers will host Maine on Thursday, November 5, and will play on the road at New Hampshire on Sunday, November 8.
The America East – Metro Basketball Challenge will feature nine men's and nine women's teams from each conference, with games taking place Thursday, November 5 through Sunday, November 8, 2026, with the exception of Iona at UMBC which will be occur on Monday, November 16. Teams will play two games – one at home and one on the road – against opponents from the opposing conference. Game times will be determined by the host institution.
Every Metro Conference institution will be represented in the challenge, with five schools having both men's and women's teams participating. Metro Conference contestants include Canisius University (women's), Fairfield University (both), Iona University (men's), Manhattan University (both), Marist University (both), Merrimack College (both), Mount St. Mary's University (women's), Niagara University (women's), Quinnipiac University (both), Rider University (men's), Sacred Heart University (men's), Saint Peter's University (men's), and Siena University (women's). All 18 America East men's and women's basketball programs will participate in the challenge.
The Pioneers will host Maine on Thursday, November 5, and will play on the road at New Hampshire on Sunday, November 8.
The America East – Metro Basketball Challenge will feature nine men's and nine women's teams from each conference, with games taking place Thursday, November 5 through Sunday, November 8, 2026, with the exception of Iona at UMBC which will be occur on Monday, November 16. Teams will play two games – one at home and one on the road – against opponents from the opposing conference. Game times will be determined by the host institution.
Every Metro Conference institution will be represented in the challenge, with five schools having both men's and women's teams participating. Metro Conference contestants include Canisius University (women's), Fairfield University (both), Iona University (men's), Manhattan University (both), Marist University (both), Merrimack College (both), Mount St. Mary's University (women's), Niagara University (women's), Quinnipiac University (both), Rider University (men's), Sacred Heart University (men's), Saint Peter's University (men's), and Siena University (women's). All 18 America East men's and women's basketball programs will participate in the challenge.
MBB All Access: Brotherly Love
Monday, December 15
MBB All Access: Family Ties 2
Monday, December 15
MBB All Access: Journeys
Wednesday, October 29
All Access: Tip-Off
Wednesday, October 15
