SAVANNAH, Ga. – A new chapter of Savannah State University Athletics begins this week as the Tigers and Lady Tigers turn their attention to the hardwood with three basketball contests highlighting the athletic calendar for November 9–15.
With the fall sports season coming to a close, Savannah State's men's and women's basketball programs will take center stage as both teams begin their 2026–27 campaigns.
The Lady Tigers will get things started on Monday evening with an exhibition contest against NCAA Division I opponent Georgia Southern University in Statesboro, while the men's basketball team will travel to Franklin Springs, Georgia, for a pair of non-conference matchups against Auburn University Montgomery and Emmanuel University on Friday and Saturday.
WOMEN'S BASKETBALL
Lady Tigers Open With Exhibition at Georgia Southern
The Savannah State women's basketball team will get its first opportunity to compete against outside competition on Monday, November 9, when the Lady Tigers travel to Statesboro, Georgia, to face Georgia Southern University in an exhibition contest.
Tipoff is scheduled for 6 p.m. inside the Jack and Ruth Ann Hill Convocation Center.
Under the direction of head coach Phillip Wallace Jr., Savannah State enters the 2026–27 campaign with a revamped roster looking to establish its identity ahead of Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (SIAC) competition.
Monday's exhibition will provide the Lady Tigers with an opportunity to evaluate their progress, develop chemistry and gain valuable experience against an NCAA Division I opponent.
The matchup will also serve as an important early test for Savannah State as the program continues its preparations for the upcoming conference schedule.
Following Monday's exhibition, the Lady Tigers will have 10 days to prepare for their regular-season and SIAC opener on Thursday, November 19, when they welcome LeMoyne-Owen College to Tiger Arena.
Savannah State at Georgia Southern (Exhibition)
MEN'S BASKETBALL
Tigers Begin Season With Two-Game Road Trip to Franklin Springs
The Savannah State men's basketball team will officially open its 2026–27 season this weekend with a pair of non-conference contests in Franklin Springs, Georgia.
Head coach Clevan Thompson enters his second full season leading the Tigers, who are looking to build upon a 2025–26 campaign that saw Savannah State finish 16–12 overall and 15–9 in SIAC play.
The Tigers advanced to the quarterfinal round of the 2026 SIAC Men's Basketball Championship after earning an 81–79 opening-round victory over Kentucky State before falling to Miles College in a tightly contested 48–47 decision.
Savannah State begins its new campaign on Friday, November 13, against Auburn University Montgomery at 5:00pm, before returning to action on Saturday, November 14, against host Emmanuel University at 1:30pm.
The two contests will provide an early opportunity for the Tigers to establish their rhythm, evaluate their rotations and build momentum heading into conference play.
With a combination of returning talent and new contributors, Savannah State will look to establish a strong foundation as it begins another challenging schedule.
Following the weekend trip, the Tigers will return to Savannah for their home and SIAC opener against LeMoyne-Owen College on Thursday, November 19th.
Savannah State vs. Auburn University Montgomery
- Date: Friday, November 13
- Time: 5:00 p.m.
- Location: Lynn Cottrell Arena at the UNG Convocation Center | Franklin Springs, Georgia
Savannah State at Emmanuel University
- Date: Saturday, November 14
- Time: 1:30 p.m.
- Location: Lynn Cottrell Arena at the UNG Convocation Center | Franklin Springs, Georgia
THIS WEEK'S SCHEDULE
Monday, November 9
Women's Basketball at Georgia Southern (Exhibition) – 6:00 p.m. – Jack and Ruth Ann Hill Convocation Center – Statesboro, Ga.
Friday, November 13
Men's Basketball vs. Auburn University Montgomery – 5:00 p.m. – Lynn Cottrell Arena at the UNG Convocation Center – Franklin Springs, Ga.
Saturday, November 14
Men's Basketball at Emmanuel University – 1:30 p.m. – Lynn Cottrell Arena at the UNG Convocation Center – Franklin Springs, Ga.
All times Eastern and subject to change.
Stay Connected
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