MSUB Men's Basketball to Open 2026-27 Season
The Yellowjackets open their new campaign on October 30 following an exhibition game in Billings.
Updated on Oct. 22, 2026 in Basketball
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The Montana State University Billings men's basketball team opens its 2026-27 season on October 30 at the D2CCA Tip-Off Classic. The team enters the year coming off a 20-11 record and aims to compete for the GNAC title.
Why it matters
The program enters the season with a roster overhauled by 11 newcomers to maintain its competitive momentum. The team seeks to extend its streak of four consecutive 20-win seasons while pursuing a return to postseason contention.
The Yellowjackets recorded a 20-11 overall record and a 9-9 conference finish during the 2025-26 season. The roster features new depth including forward Connor Oertel, who averaged 22 points per game at his previous institution.
The players
Luke Fennelly
He serves as the head coach for the Montana State University Billings men's basketball program.
Braydon Olson
He is a student-athlete selected as a Preseason All-GNAC player for the upcoming season.
Connor Oertel
He is a newcomer to the roster who previously averaged 22 points per game at Clackamas Community College.
The details
Under head coach Luke Fennelly, the team has compiled a 61-33 record and remains focused on securing an automatic berth to the NCAA West Region Championships. The squad has integrated Division I transfers, junior college standouts, and international talent to supplement returning players like Preseason All-GNAC selection Braydon Olson.
Timeline
October 23, 2026: Exhibition game against Providence University
October 30, 2026: Regular season opens at D2CCA Tip-Off Classic
December 3, 2026: Start of GNAC conference play
March 4-6, 2027: GNAC Basketball Championships
Season Trajectory
The program aims to secure an automatic berth to the NCAA West Region Championships by winning the upcoming conference tournament. Securing this spot would mark a significant achievement following the roster transition this off-season.
Fans should monitor how the 11 new players integrate into the rotation, as this will determine the team's ability to maintain its 20-win season streak. The performance of key returners like Braydon Olson will be critical for the team's standing in the GNAC conference race.
The takeaway
The team enters the year with significant turnover, requiring rapid chemistry development to remain a top contender. Consistent production from new offensive threats will be necessary to overcome the challenges of a competitive conference schedule.
What happens next
The GNAC Basketball Championships are scheduled to take place in Nampa, Idaho, from March 4-6, 2027.
Further reading
For more information on local athletics, visit the Basketball page.
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