RIVERDALE, NY – Manhattan Men's Basketball Head Coach John Gallagher has released his 2026 Men's Basketball non-conference schedule on Thursday morning.
"This non-conference schedule is exactly what we wanted for our program," Gallagher said.
The Green and White open its 2026 schedule with a splash, as the Jaspers travel to Lexington to face the Wildcats of the University of Kentucky on Tuesday, November 3, inside Rupp Arena. This will be the program's first-ever meeting against the Wildcats.
"Opening at Kentucky in Rupp Arena is the kind of environment that shows our guys what this game is all about, and it'll get our guys ready for our Conference schedule. This is the kind of game that speaks to the tradition and pride of our squad."
After its opening game in the Commonwealth, the Jaspers continue their season in the inaugural America East – Metro Basketball Challenge as Manhattan plays host to the Great Danes of the University of Albany on Thursday, November 5 inside Draddy Gymnasium for the home opener.
Sophomore guard Quron Elliott and the Green and White will then continue the America East – Metro Basketball Challenge on Sunday, November 8 inside Skip Chappelle Court at Memorial Gym to face the Black Bears of the University of Maine.
The Jaspers conclude their stretch of three of their first four games on the road when junior forward Isaac Johnson and company visit Central New York and take on the Dolphins of Le Moyne College six days later, on Saturday, November 14.
Nearly 72 hours later, sophomore guard Anthony Pacciarelli and Manhattan will play host to the Fordham Rams in the 114th Battle of the Bronx from Riverdale, on Tuesday, November 17. The last time the two teams met inside Draddy Gymnasium, the Jaspers came away with a nail-biting 78-76 victory on November 15, 2024.
"There's nothing like the Battle of the Bronx — hosting Fordham at Draddy is a game our guys and our fans circle on the calendar every year. We can't wait to defend our home floor."
Another trip across state lines features a marquee battle against the Hurricanes of the University of Miami on Friday, November 20, from inside the Watsco Center. This game marks the program's second all-time meeting, dating back to December 28, 1985.
"Going down to Miami — a team that, I feel, is going to be a top 10 program in America — is exactly the kind of test we want."
Junior guard Ben Tweedy and the Green and White continue their three-game road trip following their trip to the Sunshine State, and trek northbound to face the Highlanders of NJIT on Wednesday, November 25.
Graduate guard Josiah Sabino and the Jaspers conclude Thanksgiving weekend with a trip to Baltimore and face the Bears of Morgan State University for their seventh all-time meeting. Manhattan last faced Morgan State on December 9, 2017, with former All-MAAC Second Teamer Rich Williams posting 16 points against the Bears inside Draddy Gymnasium for the victory.
The Jaspers' final stretch of non-conference contests begins in December by hosting the Greyhounds of Loyola (MD) on Tuesday, December 8. Followed by the annual Division III contest against nearby City College of New York on Saturday, December 12.
Sophomore forward Ognjen Stankovic and the Jaspers close out their non-conference schedule on the road inside the Spiro Sports Center on Staten Island to face the NEC's Wagner Seahawks on Tuesday, December 17.
"We did a great job scheduling quality opponents in Albany, Le Moyne, and Morgan State too, and we're proud to bring Loyola Maryland and CCNY to Draddy this year. The home slate is strong in Riverdale."
Followed by a trip north to face its fourth America East team and second Wildcat team of the 2026-27 campaign at the University of New Hampshire on Sunday, December 20.
"Nothing is going to be handed to us, and that's how we want it."
Television designations will be released at a later date and time.
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