WINONA, Minn. — We're 48 hours away from returning to the David R. Thies Arena for another season of basketball! The Saint Mary's men's basketball team opens up the 2026-27 season at home this Friday, Nov. 6, for a 7:00 p.m. tip-off against Marian (Wis.). 

It is time to get cozy at home, with 14 chances to catch the Cardinals at home, the most home games in a program's regular-season history. 

"Expectations for this year are to focus on the process and embrace getting better every day," said second-year head coach Nick Bobb. "It's a grind, and this group is here to embrace it. If we focus on competing in everything that we do, it will translate to the scoreboard."

The Cardinals are looking to move on from the previous season, falling 1-24 overall. 

The brand-new season brings a lot of new buzz around the team and campus. 

"I am very excited to work with this group. They really care for one another and are comfortable holding each other accountable."

"We have a good core returning and a great group of new players added to the mix."

The team looks ahead to a nonconference slate at home to kick off the season. After the home opener, the team will host Coe, Bethany Lutheran, Martin Luther UW-Superior, Cornell, Macalester, and Bethel for a seven-game home streak from Nov. 11 through Dec. 5.

The team will close out the year and the nonconference action at Crown on Dec. 30. After the holiday break, the team will host Saint John's to kick off 2027 on Jan. 2. Feb. 13 will serve as Senior Day and will be the final home game of the season.

They will close out the regular season traveling to Carleton on Feb. 20.

The MIAC Men's Basketball Playoffs are set for Feb. 23 through Feb. 27. 

It is a fresh page for the Cardinals; the program is reaching for a playoff spot for the first time since the 2022-23 season. They may just have the key pieces this year.

"This is a group that is really going to play for each other. Who gets the credit doesn't matter; it's about what we accomplish as a team."