Mercyhurst University's Men's Basketball team is gearing up for the 2026-27 season after an impressive run to the NEC Championship final in their first eligible year. The season opens with a challenging series of non-conference games starting with an exhibition against Louisville on October 28th. The Lakers will also face tough opponents like Marquette and Notre Dame early in the schedule. After a mix of home and away games, the team will shift focus to conference play in January, highlighted by a centennial celebration game against Le Moyne on January 23rd. The season culminates with the NEC Tournament in early March.

By the Numbers
  • Season starts October 28, 2026, with an exhibition match against Louisville.
  • Team will play 6 non-conference games before commencing NEC competition.
  • Key game against Le Moyne on January 23, 2027, for the centennial celebration.
  • NEC Tournament takes place March 3, 6, and 9, 2027.
Yes, But

This schedule presents strong competition which may challenge the team's resilience and growth after last season鈥檚 success. While the Lakers are coming off a championship run, consistent performance against these opponents will be critical for building on their momentum.

State of Play
  • The Lakers face an array of formidable non-conference opponents including Syracuse and WVU.
  • There鈥檚 an emphasis on establishing early momentum in NEC play starting January 2nd.
  • Fans are encouraged to stay engaged with potential changes to the schedule throughout the season.
What's Next

The Lakers will look to build on their recent success by not only navigating their challenging schedule but also aiming for a strong performance in the NEC Tournament. How they adapt and improve as the season progresses will be critical for their prospects.

Bottom Line

The 2026-27 season offers Mercyhurst a prime opportunity to capitalize on last year鈥檚 success, but they must remain focused and resilient through the rigorous competition ahead. Success in both non-conference and conference play will be essential for any potential postseason run.