NORFOLK, Va. - The first round pairings for the 2026-27 MAC-SBC Basketball Challenge – a scheduling alliance between the Mid-American and Sun Belt Conferences – were announced on Thursday for both ODU basketball programs. This year’s first round will be played on November 2, with Sun Belt women’s programs on the road and its men’s programs hosting.
Old Dominion men’s basketball tips off the 2026-27 season with a matchup at home against Western Michigan on November 2 at Chartway Arena. This will be the first time in program history that the Monarchs meet the Broncos.
Western Michigan finished last season with a record of 10-21 and went 4-14 in the MAC. In road matchups, the Broncos had a record of 3-13 and were 7-8 at University Arena in Kalamazoo, Michigan.
The Broncos had three players average 10+ points per game last season. The team leader in points per game was redshirt senior Justice Williams (15.1), followed by senior Jayden Brewer (13.3), and junior Jalen Griffith (11.9). Williams and Brewer both graduated this summer and Griffith transferred to Eastern Washington. The Broncos returned 0 players from the previous season and have recruited 14 new players.
Western Michigan is led by head coach Kahil Fennell in his first year. He spent the previous two seasons at Texas Rio Grand Valley and compiled a record of 35-29.
Old Dominion finished last season with a 12-21 record and went 7-11 in the Sun Belt. Head coach Mike Jones has announced six transfers to round out the Monarchs’ 2026-27 roster. Bubu Benjamin from George Washington, Kylan Howze, All-Sun Belt guard Adante’ Holiman, Zamoku Weluche-Ume from North Carolina A&T, JUCO All-American Khoi Thurman, and GLIAC All-Defensive forward Jotham Nweke have all joined the Monarchs. Old Dominion returners include sophomore Zacch Wiggins, juniors Scottie Hubbard, Ben Nacey, and CJ Parker, and seniors Rieco Hellams and Jared Turner.