2021 MBB Schedule
Patriot League Release

HAMILTON – Colgate Men's Basketball received its 2021 schedule Monday from the Patriot League office, setting up a 16-game slate that begins Jan. 2 against Army.


 
The Raiders are home that day and also end their regular season schedule Feb. 21 by hosting Lehigh. In between, instead of the traditional double round-robin format and consistent with the League's prioritization of health and safety, teams are playing an increased number of games against League opponents in closer geographic proximity.

"Among other significant difficulties, the pandemic has created a cloud of uncertainty for some time," head coach Matt Langel said. "It is welcomed news for our program and student-athletes to finally have a game schedule to look forward to.

"To be sure, the 20-21 season will be a unique one, full of challenges. We are very much looking forward to navigating those challenges together and are excited for the opportunity to compete for a Patriot League Championship."

Looking Ahead
Colgate returns three starters from last year's squad that captured its second straight regular season championship and set program records for total wins (25) and league wins (14). All three returning starters averaged double figures in scoring, including senior Jordan Burns, who led the team averaging 16 points per game on his way to All-League First Team laurels. 

Juniors Nelly Cummings (10.8 ppg) and Tucker Richardson (10.3 ppg) fill out Colgate's returning starters, plus the Raiders have the services of senior Jack Ferguson and sophomore Keegan Records, who both saw action in over 30 games last season. 

Schedule Format
The 10 Patriot League institutions are divided into three regional mini-conferences, with teams playing four games against each regional opponent. Colgate's mini-conference of opponents is made up of Army, Boston University and Holy Cross, meaning the Raiders play four games (two home, two away) against those opponents.

Additional League games are being played outside of the mini-conferences to complete the 16-game regular-season schedule.
 
To reduce travel and overnight stays, schools are playing against the same opponent on consecutive days, primarily Saturdays and Sundays, with a limited number of exceptions. Start times are yet to be announced.
 
The Patriot League Council of Presidents endorsed this plan and League play is contingent on the League and its member institutions being able to conduct competition in ways that protect the health and safety of student-athletes, coaches, staff and their communities.
 
Consistent with the prioritization of health and safety, the 2020-21 schedule format features a significant reduction in travel and overnight stays.
 
Patriot League Tournament March 6-14
The Patriot League Men's Basketball Championship includes eight teams. The quarterfinal round is scheduled for Saturday, March 6, with the semifinals Wednesday, March 10. The Patriot League men's basketball championship game is scheduled to be played Sunday, March 14.
 
2021 COLGATE MEN'S BASKETBALL SCHEDULE
Jan. 2        ARMY
Jan. 3        at Army
Jan. 9        at Boston Univ.
Jan. 10      at Boston Univ.
Jan. 16      HOLY CROSS
Jan. 17      HOLY CROSS
Jan. 23      BUCKNELL
Jan. 24      BUCKNELL
Jan. 30      at Army
Jan. 31      ARMY
Feb. 6       BOSTON UNIV.
Feb. 7       BOSTON UNIV.
Feb. 13     at Holy Cross
Feb. 14     at Holy Cross
Feb. 20     at Lehigh
Feb. 21     LEHIGH

 
Indoor Track & Field and Swimming & Diving
The Council approved the rescheduling of the 2021 Patriot League Swimming and Diving
Championship to April 21-24 at Bucknell University. The League will continue to explore possible formats for the 2021 indoor track and field championship, which is currently scheduled to be held Feb.
27-28 at Boston University. A decision will be made in the coming weeks.
 
Fall Sport Update
In late September the NCAA announced championship dates and playing-season parameters for the conduct of fall sports during the second semester. In the Patriot League, this includes the sports of field hockey, football, men's and women's soccer and volleyball, as well as a championship event in the sports of men's and women's cross country. Recognizing the many challenges and uncertainties that still must be considered in order for such competition to occur, the Council of Presidents supported continued planning for competitive schedules under the following parameters:
 
• Student-athletes will return to campus for the second semester at the same time as the student body, in accordance with institutional protocols and timelines;
• A reduced competitive schedule designed to meet the requirements to qualify for NCAA championships;
• No overnight stays or air travel; and,
• Reduced Patriot League championship brackets, based upon the sport.
 
Consistent with all planning around the possible return to play, the conduct of competition in all 24 League sports, including League championships, is contingent on the League and its member institutions being able to conduct competition in ways that protect the health and safety of student-athletes and their communities.