The Milwaukee men's basketball team has announced a tough 2026-27 non-conference schedule featuring 12 games, eight of which are on the road. Highlights include matchups against six postseason teams from the previous year, including three that reached the NCAA Tournament's second round: TCU, Florida, and Vanderbilt. The Panthers will begin their season on November 2 at USC and will compete in several challenging games that aim to prepare them for Horizon League play. Coach Bart Lundy emphasizes that this tough slate will test the team against some of the nation's best programs.

By the Numbers
  • 12 total non-conference games.
  • 6 teams from last season's postseason, including 3 that reached the NCAA Tournament's second round.
State of Play
  • The season starts on November 2 with a matchup against USC.
  • Notable opponents include Florida (Nov. 24) and Vanderbilt (Dec. 21), both of whom also advanced in the NCAA Tournament last season.
  • The Panthers will host four games at home, with the remaining eight on the road.
What's Next

The Panthers will look to build momentum during their challenging non-conference slate, with key games likely influencing their performance heading into Horizon League play. Continuous evaluation of player performance in these matches will be crucial for development and strategy adjustments.

Bottom Line

Milwaukee's ambitious non-conference schedule is a strategic move to enhance their competitiveness and readiness for the season ahead, making this an essential phase for establishing their identity and strength as a team.