Men's basketball looks to defend Sun Belt Confernce title with schedule that includes USC, San Diego State

Coming off a Sun Belt Conference championship, Troy’s men’s basketball team announced its schedule on Aug. 26 and finalized the dates for its upcoming games this season.  Troy subverted all expectations last season by winning the conference and blazing its way to March Madness. 

"We were road warriors last season, which helped us win a championship,” said head coach Scott Cross to Troy Athletics. “We plan on doing the same this year, too.”  

Troy kicks the season off with two road games, the first of which is against Kent State on Nov. 3. The Trojans face Furman on Nov.7 for the first time in program history. Troy’s only home game of November will be against Pensacola Christian on Nov. 11.

After the quick stop at home, Troy has four straight away games in California. The Trojans will be pitted against Loyola Marymount on Nov. 14 and Cal State Northridge on Nov. 16 before pivoting to face San Diego State on  Nov. 18. Troy finishes the west coast trip with a matchup against California powerhouse USC on Nov. 20. 

After their stint in California, the Trojans will make a trip to Fort Myers,Florida to compete in the 2025 Coconut Hoops Tournament starting on Nov. 24 and going through the 26. The matchups have not yet been released. 

"I am looking forward to our eight-day trip to California followed by our multi-team event in Fort Myers," Cross said. 

After this long trip away from home, Troy comes back to Trojan Arena to play West Georgia on Dec. 1. The Trojans will also play host to the Division III LaGrange on Dec. 6. 

Troy finishes its non-conference schedule by heading out to Birmingham to face the UAB Blazers on Dec. 14. After that, the Trojans will begin the grueling Sun Belt Conference season. 

Conference play will be briefly put on pause to participate in the MAC-SBC Challenge at home on Feb. 7. Troy’s opponent has yet to be announced. 

Troy will then go out to Pensacola to play in the 2026 Sun Belt Basketball Tournament to hopefully continue its tenure as the reigning champions.