Men's Basketball Announces 2026-27 Schedule

WALTERBORO, S.C. – USC Salkehatchie Head Men’s Basketball Coach Matt Lynch has announced the team’s 2026–27 schedule, featuring a challenging nonconference slate and a full Region 10 schedule as USC Salkehatchie prepares for another season inside “The Palace,” the gymnasium on the Walterboro campus.

The Indians will officially open the 2026-27 campaign on Saturday, Oct. 31 against Fayetteville Tech at 3 p.m. before beginning a November schedule that will test Salk both at home and on the road.

“We are really excited about the schedule we have put together,” said Lynch. “Every year, our goal is to challenge our guys and put them in situations that prepare us for Region 10 play and ultimately give us an opportunity to be playing our best basketball at the end of the season. We have some great opponents coming into the Palace, some difficult road environments and several opportunities to compete against four-year programs.”

A Challenging Non-Conference Slate

Following the season opener against Fayetteville Tech, USC Salkehatchie will welcome ASA Prep to Walterboro on Nov. 3 before hosting Columbia International University on Nov. 10.

The Indians will also begin a new series with Cleveland Community College, traveling to Shelby, N.C., on Nov. 7 before hosting Cleveland on Nov. 19.

Salk will hit the road for several neutral-site opportunities during November. The Indians travel to Florida to face Daytona State College on Nov. 23 before taking on Central Georgia Tech the following afternoon as part of the Daytona State Classic. Salk then travels to the Brunswick Classic, where they will face Central Carolina on Nov. 28 and Montgomery on Nov. 29.

December provides another unique opportunity for the Indians, as Salk will travel to face NCAA Division II opponents Newberry College on Dec. 1 and Francis Marion University on Dec. 6. The matchups give Salk’s players the opportunity to compete in front of Division II coaching staffs and showcase themselves against four-year competition.

“Creating opportunities for our players is always going to be a priority for us,” Lynch said. “When our guys can step onto the floor against NCAA programs and compete directly in front of Division II head coaches, that exposure is extremely valuable. We want our players to have every opportunity to show that they belong at the next level.”

Salk will also travel to South Georgia State on Dec. 11 before facing Albany Tech the following day as part of the South Georgia State Classic. The Indians close their pre-Christmas schedule at home against Middle Georgia on Dec. 15.

The Indians return to action after the holiday break on Jan. 2 when Franklin Prep visits The Palace.

“Our non-conference schedule gives us a little bit of everything,” Lynch said. “We will have to win at home, learn how to win on the road and be able to play on back-to-back days in tournament settings. Those are experiences that can really help a team once you get into January and February.”

Region 10 Action

USC Salkehatchie begins its Region 10 schedule on Jan. 6 at Caldwell Tech before returning home to face Brunswick on Jan. 9 and Cape Fear on Jan. 13.

One of the most challenging stretches of conference play follows, as the Indians travel to Richard Bland on Jan. 16 and Chowan on Jan. 17 before later visiting Brunswick and Wake Tech.

The second half of conference play will feature several opportunities for Salk fans to pack the Palace. The Indians host Gaston on Jan. 27, Caldwell Tech on Feb. 10 and Wake Tech on Feb. 20.

USC Salkehatchie will conclude the regular season on Saturday, Feb. 27, when the Indians host Richard Bland at 2 p.m. for Sophomore Night.

The Region 10 Tournament is scheduled for March 4-6 at Caldwell Tech.

Protect The Palace

Home-court advantage has become an important part of the identity of USC Salkehatchie basketball, and Lynch once again hopes the Walterboro community will make the Salk Palace one of the toughest places to play in Region 10.

“There is nothing like playing in the Palace when it is packed,” Lynch said. “Our community has really embraced our players and our program, and our guys feel that support. We want our home games to be an event. We want our students, faculty, alumni and the entire Walterboro community there with us. Protecting our home court is going to be a huge part of what we want to accomplish this season.”

The 2026-27 campaign marks Lynch’s fourth season leading the USC Salkehatchie men’s basketball program.

The Indians will officially tip off the season on Oct. 31 against Fayetteville Tech at 3 p.m.