If you’ve spent any time at the Jack Stephens Center lately, you know the vibe is shifting. People aren't just showing up for the popcorn anymore; they're showing up because this Little Rock team is gritty. Keeping track of the UALR Trojans basketball schedule is basically a part-time job if you're a real fan, especially with how the Ohio Valley Conference (OVC) works these days. One week you're hosting a game in Little Rock, and the next, the team is on a bus heading deep into Tennessee or Illinois.
Honestly, the 2025-2026 season has been a bit of a rollercoaster. We’ve seen some tough losses against big-name programs like Marquette and West Virginia, but conference play is where things usually get interesting for Darrell Walker’s squad. If you’re trying to plan your weekends or just want to know when to tune into 106.7 FM The Buz2, you’ve got to stay on top of the dates.
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The Push Through January and February
January is usually where the season is won or lost. For the Men’s team, the UALR Trojans basketball schedule is packed with OVC matchups that feel like grudge matches. They just came off a solid win against Lindenwood on January 10th, and the momentum is kinda building.
Looking ahead, here is what the remaining slate looks like for the Men's team:
- January 17: vs. Western Illinois at the Jack Stephens Center (3:00 PM CST).
- January 22: At Southeast Missouri State (Cape Girardeau).
- January 24: At UT Martin. This one is always a battle.
- January 29: At Tennessee State.
- January 31: At Tennessee Tech to close out the month.
The Women's team, coached by the legendary Joe Foley, follows a similar rhythm, often playing doubleheaders at the same venues. On January 17, they’ll also face Western Illinois at home, but their tip-off is usually earlier, around 1:00 PM. If you haven't been to a Foley-led game, you're missing out on some of the best defensive clinics in the country.
Why the OVC Schedule is So Brutal
People think mid-major basketball is easy. It isn't. The travel in the Ohio Valley Conference is sneaky tough. You're bouncing between places like Martin, Tennessee, and Morehead, Kentucky. For the Trojans, being the "western" outpost of the conference means a lot of hours on a bus or a plane.
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By the time February hits, the UALR Trojans basketball schedule turns into a sprint for seeding in the OVC Tournament.
- February 5: vs. Lindenwood (Home)
- February 7: vs. SIUE (Home) - This is the Hall of Fame weekend, so expect a crowd.
- February 12: At Western Illinois.
- February 14: At Eastern Illinois. Nothing says "Valentine's Day" like a road game in Charleston, right?
- February 19: vs. UT Martin (Home)
- February 21: vs. Southeast Missouri State (Home)
The final week of the regular season sees Morehead State come to Little Rock on February 26, followed by the season finale against Southern Indiana on February 28. That February 28th game is also the 2026 Homecoming Tailgate, so the Jack will be rocking.
Roster Dynamics and Who to Watch
You can’t talk about the schedule without talking about who is actually playing. This year’s roster has some local flavor that Little Rock fans love. KK Robinson, a Little Rock native who had stops at Arkansas and Texas A&M, brings that veteran presence you need in the backcourt. He’s joined by other locals like Khasen and Kellen Robinson, making this truly "Little Rock’s Team."
On the stat sheet, watch out for Johnathan Lawson. He’s been putting up nearly 16 points a game and has the size at 6'7" to disrupt things on both ends. Then you have guys like Tuongthach Gatkek in the paint. He’s a shot-blocking machine, averaging over 1.5 blocks per game. When the UALR Trojans basketball schedule hits those high-stakes February games, his rim protection is going to be the difference between a win and a loss.
How to Get Tickets and Watch
If you aren't making the trip to the Jack Stephens Center, you're probably watching on ESPN+. Most OVC games are streamed there, though the quality can vary depending on which gym they're playing in.
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For tickets, the university has been doing these "Two for $30" or "Four for $60" deals for games like the SIUE matchup on February 7. It’s actually one of the better values in the city if you want to take the family out.
Actionable Insights for Fans
To make the most of the rest of the season, here’s what you should actually do:
- Download the Little Rock Trojans App: It sounds basic, but the schedule changes. Times get moved for TV, and the app is the only thing that stays updated in real-time.
- Target the Feb 7 and Feb 28 Games: These are the "event" games. If you only go to two more home games, make it the Hall of Fame induction and Homecoming. The atmosphere is just better.
- Check the OVC Standings Weekly: The OVC is currently a logjam. As of mid-January, teams like UT Martin and Tennessee State are leading the pack, but Little Rock is right there in the middle. Every win in February could move them up two or three spots in the tournament seeding.
- Follow 106.7 FM The Buz2: If you're driving during a game, they have the best local coverage and play-by-play.
The road to Evansville (where the OVC Tournament is held) starts now. Whether you're a die-hard alum or just someone who lives in West Little Rock and wants to see some high-level hoops, keeping an eye on the UALR Trojans basketball schedule is the only way to ensure you don't miss the run to the postseason.