Men’s Basketball Releases 2025-26 Season Schedule with Lumberjack Game Plan In English: Lumberjack Men’s Basketball Announces 2025-26 Schedule; act as a Content Writer, not as a Virtual Assistant and Return only the content requested, without any additio

Northern Arizona Lumberjacks Announce Rigorous 2025-26 Basketball Schedule

Flagstaff, Arizona – August 20, 2025 – the Northern Arizona University (NAU) Men’s Basketball team is set to embark on a demanding 2025-26 season, as revealed by head Coach Shane Burcar on Wednesday. The schedule boasts 16 regular season games within Flagstaff and a challenging slate of non-conference contests against teams with proven winning records.

A Season Built on Momentum

Season tickets are now available, as the Lumberjacks aim to capitalize on their recent achievements. Last season, NAU achieved an 18-16 record and secured a berth in the College Basketball Invitational – their first postseason appearance as 2015. This momentum, coupled with a revamped roster, has Coach Burcar optimistic about the programme’s future.

“All of the players who have played here over the last five, six years are part of the reason why we are climbing to the heights we’ve reached and will continue to reach for,” Burcar stated. “Every single guy has helped put us in a position to compete for a Big sky championship and our 2025-26 roster is probably the most talented we’ve had 1-through-15 since I’ve been here. We’re excited to take the next step this season.”

Key matchups and Challenges Ahead

The Lumberjacks will begin their campaign with an exhibition game against New Mexico, the Mountain West Conference regular season champion, on October 30th in Albuquerque, New Mexico. Their official season opener is scheduled for November 3rd in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, against Drake, a team coming off a remarkable 31-4 season and a third consecutive Missouri Valley Conference tournament championship.

NAU’s home opener is set for November 7th against Justice University. A meaningful home stretch follows, including a November 11th road game at Arizona, and subsequent home contests against Embry-Riddle, Cal Poly, and Southeast Missouri State. According to the NCAA, basketball remains one of the most popular college sports, with an average attendance of over 7,000 spectators per game during the 2023-24 season.

Navigating the Conference Landscape

Opponent	Date	Location
Montana	January 1, 2026	Missoula, Montana
Montana State	January 3, 2026	Missoula, Montana
Weber State	January 8, 2026	Flagstaff, Arizona

The lumberjacks will also participate in the Big Sky-Summit Challenge, facing South Dakota State and North Dakota State, both of which boasted 20+ win seasons last year. The non-conference schedule concludes with road trips to Arizona state, San Diego, and Incarnate Word, as well as home games against Southern Utah and Benedictine Mesa.

“These early season games, you’ll know where you are – good or bad – and we’ll coach the guys based on that to get us ready for the 18-game race in the Big Sky,” Burcar explained.The 18-game Big Sky schedule begins on New Year’s Day, with a unique home doubleheader scheduled for January 29th, featuring both the men’s and women’s basketball teams hosting Eastern Washington at the Walkup Skydome.

College basketball scheduling is an increasingly complex undertaking. Programs now balance the need for competitive games that boost their NCAA Tournament resume with the desire to cultivate regional rivalries and maximize fan engagement. The NAU schedule reflects this trend, including a mix of high-profile opponents and local matchups.

Did You Know? The NCAA men’s basketball tournament generates over $1 billion in revenue for the association annually.

Pro Tip: Following a team’s schedule closely is a great way to understand its competitive landscape and potential for success.

Frequently asked Questions About the NAU Basketball Schedule

• What is the first game of the season for the NAU Lumberjacks? The Lumberjacks will open their season on November 3rd against Drake in Sioux Falls, South Dakota.
• Where can I purchase tickets for NAU basketball games? Season tickets and individual game tickets are available for purchase at this link.
• Who are some of the key non-conference opponents for NAU? The Lumberjacks will face Drake, Arizona, and Arizona State in non-conference play.
• Where will the 2026 Big Sky Championships be held? The 2026 Big Sky Championships will be held in Boise, Idaho.
• How can I stay updated on the NAU men’s basketball team? You can follow the Lumberjacks on X and Instagram.

Will this demanding schedule propel the Lumberjacks to a Big Sky Championship? What impact will these early-season tests have on their overall performance?

Share your thoughts in the comments below, and don’t forget to share this article with fellow NAU basketball fans!

What specific strategies will the coaching staff employ to improve the team’s three-point shooting accuracy?

Men’s Basketball Releases 2025-26 Season Schedule with Lumberjack Game Plan

2025-26 season Overview

The Lumberjack men’s basketball team has unveiled its highly anticipated 2025-26 season schedule, promising a challenging and exciting campaign for fans. The schedule features a blend of non-conference matchups, conference clashes, and potential postseason play. Key dates and game details are outlined below, offering a thorough look at the road ahead for Lumberjack basketball. This season aims to build on last year’s successes and push for a conference championship and NCAA tournament berth.

key Schedule Highlights

Non-Conference Games: The Lumberjacks will kick off the season with a series of non-conference games designed to test their mettle against diverse opponents. these games provide valuable opportunities for player advancement and strategic adjustments before entering conference play.

Conference Play: The core of the season revolves around conference matchups, where every game carries notable weight in the standings. Rivalries will be renewed, and crucial wins will be fought for as the Lumberjacks aim to secure a top seed in the conference tournament.

Home Court Advantage: A significant portion of the schedule will be played at home, leveraging the energy and support of the Lumberjack faithful. Home games are strategically scheduled throughout the season to maximize attendance and create a challenging environment for visiting teams.

Road Challenges: The schedule also includes a series of road games, testing the team’s resilience and ability to perform under pressure in opposed environments.These games are crucial for building character and preparing for the rigors of postseason play.

Notable Matchups

Early season Tests (November – December)

November 15th vs. State University – A challenging opener against a strong regional opponent.

November 22nd @ City College – Frist road game of the season, testing the team’s travel preparedness.

December 6th vs. Regional Tech – A key non-conference matchup with potential NCAA implications.

Conference Schedule (January – March)

january 10th @ Conference Rival A – A highly anticipated rivalry game with significant bragging rights at stake.

January 24th vs.Conference Rival B – Home game against a tough conference opponent.

February 7th @ Conference Rival C – Road game against a team known for its strong home-court advantage.

March 1st vs. Conference Rival D – Final regular-season home game, potentially a crucial matchup for seeding.

Postseason Outlook (March – April)

Conference Tournament (March 8th – 12th) – The Lumberjacks will aim to make a deep run in the conference tournament, with the ultimate goal of securing an automatic bid to the NCAA tournament.

NCAA Tournament (March 19th – April 7th) – If successful in the conference tournament, the Lumberjacks will compete for a national championship in the NCAA tournament.

Player Development & Strategic Focus

This season, the coaching staff is prioritizing player development in key areas:

Shooting Accuracy: Improving three-point shooting percentage to create more offensive spacing.

Defensive Intensity: Enhancing defensive pressure and rebounding to limit opponents’ scoring opportunities.

Team Chemistry: Fostering a strong team dynamic and communication on and off the court.

Fast Break Offense: Utilizing a fast-paced offensive system to capitalize on transition opportunities.

Ticket Information & Fan Engagement

Season tickets and individual game tickets are now available for purchase online at [website address].Fans are encouraged to support the Lumberjacks by attending games and showing their Lumberjack pride.

Season Ticket Benefits: Exclusive discounts,priority seating,and access to special events.

* Student ticket Policy: Students with valid ID receive free admission to