Surprise, Ariz. – OUAZ Men's Basketball has unveiled its 2026-27 schedule, featuring a challenging non-conference slate, an NCAA Division I exhibition contest, and a demanding GSAC schedule as the Spirit look to position themselves for postseason play in one of the nation's toughest conferences.
The 2026-27 season opens on October 12 with an exhibition matchup at Southern Utah before the Spirit officially begin the regular season with back-to-back road contests against Pacific Union on October 22 and 23.
OUAZ will also compete in the ERAU Classic on October 30-31, taking on Oregon Tech and Stanton in Prescott, Arizona.
The Spirit return to Faith Arena for their home opener on November 5 against Justice University before continuing non-conference action with road games at Pomona-Pitzer and Whittier. OUAZ will then welcome Westcliff, Our Lady of the Lake, and West Coast Baptist to Surprise to close out the non-conference schedule.
Conference play begins on December 5 with a road matchup against Arizona Christian, followed by a trip to Embry-Riddle on December 12.
Following the holiday break, the Spirit return home to open the new year against Benedictine Mesa on January 2 before diving into the heart of GSAC competition.
The GSAC once again proved itself among the NAIA's elite conferences during last season's national tournament. Four conference programs earned bids to the NAIA National Championship, with Benedictine Mesa advancing to the Fab Four, Arizona Christian and Hope International reaching the Round of 8, and The Master's earning a spot in the Round of 32. The depth and national success of the conference will provide OUAZ with numerous opportunities throughout the season.
This year will also feature an expanded GSAC Conference Tournament format, as the postseason field grows from four teams to six, creating additional opportunities in the race for conference championship contention. Every conference game will carry significant importance as teams compete for one of the six postseason berths.
The Spirit's home conference schedule includes matchups against Benedictine Mesa, Embry-Riddle, Park-Gilbert, Life Pacific, The Master's, Arizona Christian, La Sierra, and Hope International. The regular season concludes with back-to-back home contests against La Sierra on February 16 and Hope International on February 18.
Tickets On Sale Now
Tickets for the 2026-27 OUAZ Men's Basketball season are on sale NOW. Fans won't want to miss the opportunity to watch the Spirit compete against one of the strongest schedules in the NAIA, highlighted by home games against nationally competitive GSAC opponents throughout the season.
With exciting matchups and postseason implications on the line all season long, now is the time to secure your seats at Faith Arena and help create a true home-court advantage for Spirit Basketball.
