From the Big Dance to The Big West: CBU basketball is back
RIVERSIDE, Calif. (Sept. 23, 2026) — Your favorite time of year is here again, as CBU basketball gets ready to kick off its 2026-27 season. This season is sure to bring nail-biting, heart-thumping moments as the Lancers get fans cheering for more.
CBU invites fans, friends and families to join us for the 2026-27 basketball season, tipping off Nov. 3 with a slate of non-conference games to prepare for The Big West Conference. Men’s basketball has its first matchup in the Dale E. and Sarah Ann Fowler Events Center, with a game against the University of North Florida Ospreys at 7 p.m.
The Lancers are stepping into their first season in The Big West, with Riverside being one of only three cities with two NCAA Division I programs competing in the same conference.
Last year, men’s basketball had a monumental season, finishing 25-9 overall and 13-5 in conference play. For the first time in Lancer history, men’s basketball became Western Athletic Conference Champions, advancing the team to March Madness.
Coming off their debut in the Big Dance, the Lancers are eager to build on their success.
The men’s schedule features 22 conference matchups, with an even split between home games inside the Fowler Events Center and away games. The Lancers start their time in The Big West with a match against UC San Diego Tritons on Dec. 3, followed by a Crosstown Showdown game against the UC Riverside Highlanders. On Feb. 20, they play the Highlanders for the second time in a highly anticipated Homecoming matchup on CBU's home court.
“It’s an exciting time for CBU basketball. We have an extremely hard playing, tough, skilled and unified team that plays a style that will be exciting to watch” said Kyle Getter, head men’s basketball coach. “There is a lot of momentum for our program after last season’s NCAA Tournament appearance, and we look forward to building on that momentum throughout the season.”
Likewise, women’s basketball showed up last season, finishing 23-11 overall and 15-3 in conference play. The Lancers secured a spot in March Madness for the second time in CBU women’s basketball history after defeating Abilene Christian 74-38 in the WAC Tournament Championship.
The Lancers have their first game against the Oregon State Beavers in Corvallis, Oregon, at 6 p.m. Two days later, they’re on the road again, playing Utah Tech on Nov. 6. Their first home game takes place Nov. 13 against the Pacific Tigers.
“Our team is ready to build on last year’s success and the opportunity to play in The Big West Conference,” said Jarrod Olson, head women’s basketball coach. “The players are working hard, supporting each other, and we can’t wait to see the CBU community back in the Fowler Events Center.”
For the first time in Riverside history, the CBU Lancers and UC Riverside Highlanders are formalizing their crosstown rivalry in the Crosstown Showdown, a series of matchups between the city’s two NCAA Division I universities in multiple sports.
Both men’s and women’s basketball will face the Highlanders in a doubleheader on UC Riverside’s court on Dec. 5.
CBU basketball is on the rise. Don’t miss out on seeing the teams as they make their way to the top. Get your Lancer basketball season tickets today.