Men's Basketball Announces Non-Conference Schedule
7/30/2026 11:00:00 AM | Men's Basketball
FAIRFIELD, Conn. — Entering his 14th season, Sacred Heart University men's basketball head coach Anthony Latina has announced the 2026-27 non-conference schedule, featuring 12 games against opponents from the America East, ASUN, Big East, Big Ten, Ivy League, and SEC. The slate includes six home contests at the William H. Pitt Center and six road matchups.
The Pioneers open the season at home for the second straight year, welcoming the United States Coast Guard Academy to the Pitt Center on Nov. 2. SHU remains at home on Nov. 5 to host Maine in its opening game of the America East–Metro Conference Basketball Challenge.
Sacred Heart hits the road for the first time on Nov. 8, traveling to New Hampshire to wrap up the America East–Metro Conference Basketball Challenge.
The Pioneers return to Fairfield on Nov. 12 to host in-state rival Central Connecticut State in one of Connecticut's longest-running men's basketball rivalries.
SHU then embarks on a two-game road swing against power conference opponents, beginning with a matchup at Providence on Nov. 17 at Amica Mutual Pavilion before traveling to Rutgers on Nov. 24 at Jersey Mike's Arena.
Sacred Heart returns to the Pitt Center for a three-game homestand, hosting NJIT on Nov. 29 following the Thanksgiving holiday. The Pioneers then welcome UMass Lowell on Dec. 9 before closing the homestand against Queens University of Charlotte on Dec. 14.
The non-conference slate concludes with three consecutive road games. SHU makes its first-ever trip to Georgetown on Dec. 16 before visiting Dartmouth on Dec. 20.
Sacred Heart closes non-conference play on Dec. 22 with a first-ever meeting against Kentucky at Rupp Arena at Central Bank Center. The matchup will mark the Pioneers' first game against an SEC opponent in program history.
"We're excited about the non-conference schedule we've put together," said Latina. "It gives our team a great mix of home games, regional rivalries, and opportunities to compete against outstanding programs from the America East, Ivy League, ASUN, Big East, Big Ten, and SEC. We're especially excited to have six non-conference home games and the chance to play in front of our fans at the Pitt Center. Every game will help us grow and prepare us for the challenges of Metro Conference play."
