Utah Valley opens its 2026-27 men’s basketball season Monday against Division II Western Colorado, beginning the Wolverines’ first year in the Big West. UVU is coming off consecutive outright WAC regular-season titles and NIT appearances, and returns six players from last season’s 25-win team. Tipoff is at 6 p.m. MT at the UCCU Center.

By the Numbers
  • Utah Valley went 25-9 overall and 14-4 in the WAC last season.
  • The Wolverines are 4-0 all-time against Western Colorado, winning each game by at least 23 points.
  • UVU was picked fifth in the Big West preseason poll; its No. 115 KenPom ranking is fourth-best in the conference.
  • Isaac Davis returns after averaging 10.9 points per game and shooting 62.3% from the field.
Yes, But

Western Colorado went 10-18 last season and was picked 13th in the Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference, but the game is a regular-season contest for UVU and an exhibition for the Mountaineers.

What’s Next

After Monday’s opener, Utah Valley visits Weber State on Nov. 7 and Nevada on Nov. 14, then begins play at the Paradise Jam against East Carolina on Nov. 20.

Bottom Line

UVU begins its Big West transition with a favorable home matchup and momentum from a strong WAC run. The opener also gives a retooled roster its first chance to show whether it can sustain that success.