The 2021-22 Middle Tennessee men's basketball schedule is now complete, as Head Coach Nick McDevitt announced on Friday the Blue Raiders' non-conference opponents for the upcoming season.
The campaign starts in front of the home fans at Murphy Center with games against Brescia (KY) University (Nov. 9), Bethune-Cookman (Nov. 12) and Winthrop (Nov. 16).
"It's going to be nice to have fans back in the stands," McDevitt said regarding his team's season-opening stretch. "Our players feed off the energy of the crowd. When the Glass House is full and fans are here, it's an exciting environment."
Following the opening homestand, the Blue Raiders play in the Cancun Challenge, with game one in Nacogdoches, Texas against Stephen F. Austin (Nov. 19). MT will then head south of the border to play Rider (Nov. 24) and an opponent to be determined later (Nov. 25).
"Time away from the apartments and campus will really give our guys a chance to become even closer as a group," McDevitt said of his team's visit to Cancun. "I really like the way this team has come together over these summer months, and I think that'll only help."
After the Cancun Challenge, McDevitt's team will take on Bryan (TN) College (Nov. 27) and UT Martin (Dec. 1) before going on the road against Murray State (Dec. 4), UT Martin (Dec. 11) and Ole Miss (Dec. 15).
"In order to be towards the top of the league, you've got to find a way to steal some of those on the road. If you're able to go to Murray State, UT Martin and Ole Miss and steal some on the road, it gives you a good look at your ability to steal some on the road in league play," McDevitt added.
The non-conference schedule wraps up back at home against Coastal Carolina (Dec. 19) and finally on the road at Chattanooga (Dec. 22).
Following the 13-game non-conference slate, Middle Tennessee will start its journey back to the Conference USA Championships on Dec. 30 vs. UTSA.
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