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Men's Basketball

MAC-SBC Challenge Preview: Thrilling Showdowns and Rising Stars Ahead

By Kyle Nachtsheim
10:08 AM 4 min read Updated Feb 6, 2026
MAC-SBC Challenge
Basketball - Sun Belt vs MAC

The MAC-SBC Challenge continues to gain traction as one of college basketball’s most underrated yet competitive events.

Starting in 2023, this Challenge pits the Mid-American Conference (MAC) against the Sun Belt (SBC) in a series of compelling, non-conference matchups.

While every game offers storylines and bragging rights, a few headline clashes stand out as must-watch contests for fans and scouts alike.

Here’s a closer look at the most anticipated games and why they matter.

James Madison at Akron

This matchup has all the makings of a heavyweight bout.

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James Madison, 3-1 all-time in MAC-SBC Challenge play, enters with a 15-10 all-time record against current MAC schools, despite falling to Toledo last February. The series between the two programs have been competitive, with the Dukes leading 2-1 after a victory in February 2024.

Akron, fresh off back-to-back NCAA Tournament appearances, comes in with a .500 winning percentage in 44 games against Sun Belt programs. Its 2-2 Challenge record does not tell the full storyโ€”the Zips have consistently been among the MAC’s most dangerous teams.

Why It Matters:ย Both teams are contenders in their respective conferences, with both finishing with above-.600 winning percentage over the past five seasons. A win here could boost NCAA Tournament resumes and shift national perception.

Marshall at UMass

Among the most intriguing matchups is Marshall visiting UMass.

While UMass is new to the MAC-SBC Challenge after moving from the Atlantic 10, this game revives a storied series tied at 3 games apiece, dating back to the early 2000s.

Marshall, a former MAC member from 1997 to 2005, brings extensive experience against current MAC schools (244-266 all-time). However, this will be its first official MAC-SBC Challenge game.

UMass has not faced a Sun Belt opponent since a loss to Georgia State in December 2017. All-time against current SBC members, the Minutemen are 9-5. They last faced Marshall in December 2003.

Why It Matters:ย This one’s for the historians and the hopeful. It is a rare opportunity for two programs with overlapping legacies to reignite an old flame in a new setting. Both are seeking a return to the NCAA Tournament for the first tine since the mid-2010s.

Georgia State at Eastern Michigan

Georgia State might be the most dangerous team in the MAC-SBC Challenge, boasting a perfect 4-0 record. The Panthers have also won both meetings with Eastern Michigan, most recently in Dec. 2009.

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Eastern Michigan enters with a 2-2 Challenge record and is 10-19 all-time against current SBC teams.

The Panthers have a .500 winning percentage in 16 games against MAC opponents and is chasing its first NCAA bid since 2022. Eastern Michigan finished 16-16 last season and is aiming to build on that.

Why It Matters: Georgia State is seeking perfection in Challenge play. Eastern Michigan is hunting for legitimacy. This one has trap game potential for both sides.

Appalachian State at Central Michigan

It has been over 35 years since these two programs last metโ€”Central Michigan won the only previous game in 1989 during the Youngstown State Classic.

Appalachian State is 2-2 in MAC-SBC Challenge play and coming off a February win over Ohio. Central Michigan holds a strong 3-1 Challenge record and recently beat Texas State.

Central Michigan is 11-14 against Sun Belt schools. The Mountaineers, meanwhile, improved to 5-9 against MAC teams following the win over Ohio.

Why It Matters: A dormant rivalry, two evenly matched teams, and Challenge standings on the line make this could a potential sleeper hit.

Arkansas State at Ohio

Ohio took the only previous meeting back in November 2011.ย But Arkansas State may have turned a corner.

The Red Wolves are just 6-21 against current MAC schools but recently defeated Kent State. They are coming off back-to-back 20-win seasons and look dangerous.

The Bobcats remains one of the most experience programs in interconference play, holding a 62-54 mark against Sun Belt opponents. But the Bobcats are just 1-3 in Challenge play and dropped a key game to App State last February.

Why It Matters: Ohio needs a win to break a trend of Challenge disappointments. Arkansas State is playing for respect and long-tern momentum.

Honorable Mentions: Emerging Battles to Watch

Three first-time matchups are on tap for November’s MAC-SBC Challenge:

  • Louisiana at Ball State
  • ULM at Northern Illinois
  • Texas State at Bowling Green

Toledo and South Alabama meet for the first time since the first round of the 2001 Postseason NIT, a game the Rockets won.

Southern Miss and Buffalo face off for the first time since the 1995 Utah State Classic, where the Golden Eagles came out on top

The MAC-SBC Challenge continues to evolve into one of college basketball’s most balanced and competitive non-conference slates.

This year’s edition features first-time meeting and high-stakes battles between programs trying to solidify their postseason outlooks.

While every game has weight, matchups like James Madison vs Akron and Marshall vs UMass that have the power to elevate programsโ€”and conferencesโ€”to new heights.

 

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