The UIS men's basketball team has announced its schedule for the upcoming 2026-27 season. The Prairie Stars return much of their core and welcome several newcomers as they prepare for the 2026-27 season under eighth-year head coach Matt Brock. 

UIS will tip off its season with a home opener against Millikin on Monday, Nov. 9, at 7:30 p.m. The game will be part of a doubleheader at TRAC, following the women's opener against Purdue Northwest.

Following the home opener, the team will travel to Fayette, Iowa, for matchups against regional opponents Roosevelt on Nov. 12 and Wisconsin-Parkside on Nov. 13. Another non-conference game is scheduled against Cedarville on Nov. 24 in Cedarville, Ohio, before UIS travels to Lewis to begin its GLVC schedule.

UIS will head to Las Vegas in December for a chance to compete against top NCAA Division II programs. The Prairie Stars will face Montana State-Billings on Dec. 18 and West Texas A&M University on Dec. 19.

"This year's schedule is especially strong. We will have some important tests before we start the grind of the GLVC schedule," Brock said. "The pre-Christmas trip to Las Vegas features two matchups with top NCAA Division II programs in West Texas A&M and MSU Billings. The conference schedule shifts to Wednesday and Saturday, so we won't be away from our home fans in TRAC much more than a week at a time."

The Prairie Stars will navigate a challenging 20-game Great Lakes Valley Conference (GLVC) schedule. UIS will face conference opponents Indianapolis, Drury, Quincy, Upper Iowa, McKendree, and Lewis twice during the season. For opponents the Stars will face once, UIS will host Missouri S&T, Missouri-St. Louis, William Jewell, and Maryville, and travel to Lincoln, Truman State, Southwest Baptist, and Rockhurst. 

The team welcomes four transfers and two freshmen to the squad, joining nine returning players. With Assistant Coaches Zack Jadzak and newcomer Nick Hawn, the coaching staff is set to guide this blend of experience and new talent toward a successful season.

The Prairie Stars are focused on making a deeper run in the GLVC Tournament and beyond, aiming to capitalize on existing experience and the infusion of new talent. Fans can look forward to an exciting season of basketball with opportunities to support the team both at home and on the road. For the full schedule and live game updates, visit uispraireistars.com.