Philadelphia, PA – La Salle men's basketball head coach
Darris Nichols announced the team's 2026-27 non-conference schedule on Wednesday.
"Our non-conference schedule is exactly what we want it to be: competitive, tough, and rooted in our region, "Nichols said. "We're going to be tested early and often and are excited about the opportunities this slate presents."
Following an exhibition game against Neumann on October 27, La Salle will start the regular season on the road against Houston on Nov. 2. The Cougars have reached the Sweet 16 of the NCAA Tournament for six straight seasons, highlighted by a runner-up finish during the 2024-25 campaign.
The Explorers will stay in the Philadelphia area for their next nine contests, which span from Nov. 7 to Dec. 5, similar to last season's schedule where the team did not leave Philadelphia for 39 days.
La Salle will host LIU for homecoming on Nov. 7 at John E. Glaser Arena, followed by two Big 5 pod games, including a road battle at Villanova on Nov. 10 and a home matchup against Temple on Nov. 15.
After three straight home games against Coppin State (Nov. 18), Penn (Nov. 21), and Penn State Brandywine (Nov. 23), La Salle will head to The Palestra for the Cathedral Classic on Nov. 27 against Bucknell.
December begins with La Salle's first-ever meeting against Wofford, the alma mater of current associate head coach
Shane Nichols, on Dec. 1.
The Explorers will head to South Philly for the Big 5 Classic on Dec. 5 at Xfinity Mobile Arena.
La Salle will travel for a pair of road games against Coastal Athletic Association opponents, starting with Monmouth (Dec. 8) and Stony Brook (Dec. 12).
On Dec. 18, the Blue & Gold will take on Delaware Valley and welcome back former assistant coach and director of basketball operations Mike Doyle, who is now the head coach for the Aggies.
Non-conference play wraps up at BYU on Dec. 22. BYU reached the NCAA Tournament last season and spent eight weeks ranked inside the nation's top 10.
The two teams have played nine times since 1949. They last met in 1992, an 81-80 win for the Explorers.
To be part of the action and purchase your season tickets, visit goexplorers.com/SeasonTickets26-27
