MIAMI, Okla. (Interstat) — The Hutchinson Community College Blue Dragons and Northeastern Oklahoma A&M Golden Norseman will open their 2025-26 men’s basketball seasons against each other on Saturday, Nov. 1.

Both teams enter the junior college matchup with 0-0 records. The game marks the debut for both programs after long layoffs; neither has played since the 2024 postseason.

Hutchinson’s last outing was a 91-69 home loss to Connors State in the NJCAA Plains District Championship on March 27, 2024. Northeastern Oklahoma A&M last played on March 16, 2024, falling 73-71 to the same Connors State team on the road.

According to the Interstat ELO system, the Golden Norseman are projected as favorites, holding a 64% probability to win the season opener.

The contest begins a challenging opening stretch for both squads. Following this game, Hutchinson will play its next 10 games against a mix of non-conference and Kansas Jayhawk Community College Conference foes, beginning with a home game against Southwestern Christian on Nov. 7.

Northeastern Oklahoma A&M embarks on a grueling early road schedule, with its next four games away from home. The Golden Norseman travel to face Butler (Kan.) on Nov. 7 before a matchup at Cowley on Nov. 8.