HENNIKER, N.H. - The New England College men's basketball team officially released their 2026-27 schedule on Monday, October 19.  

The Pilgrims will begin their preseason with a pair of scrimmages, hosting Plymouth State on Friday, October 23, before welcoming Northern Essex Community College to Bridges Gymnasium on Wednesday, October 28, as they prepare for the upcoming season. 

NEC officially opens their 2026-27 season on the road at Gordon College on Friday, November 6th, before returning home for its home opener against Curry College on Wednesday, November 11 at 4 p.m. The Pilgrims will remain home to host Paul Smith's College on Saturday, November 14, at 1 p.m. 

The Pilgrims will host two more home games before Thanksgiving Break, welcoming Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts visiting on Tuesday, November 17at 6 p.m., followed by Lesley University on Monday, November 23, at 6 p.m.  

NEC will open Great Northeast Athletic Conference Play (GNAC) play on Wednesday, December 2, on the road at Rivier University. Then return home to host Albertus Magnus for a 3:00 PM match up on Saturday, December 5. The Pilgrims close out the 2026 portion of their schedule with three additional non-conference contests. 

The 'Grims will return to action in 2027 on the road against Fitchburg State on Saturday, January 2, at noon. NEC will return home on Tuesday, January 5, to host Mitchell College at 3:00 p.m., before continuing a stretch of home games on Saturdays, January 9,16, and 23. 

February will open at home against Rivier University on Tuesday, February 2 at 7:00 p.m., before hitting the road for match ups at Mitchell College and Saint Joseph's College of Maine. NEC will face the reigning GNAC champions once again on Saturday, February 20, when the Monk's travel to Henniker.  

The GNAC tournament is slated to begin with the opening round on Tuesday, February 23, followed by the semifinals on Thursday, February 25. The GNAC Championship is scheduled for Saturday, February 27, with the title game hosted by the higher seed. 

For continuing coverage of New England College Athletics, visit athletics.nec.edu and follow the Pilgrims on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram.