C-USA Basketball Schedule to Feature New 18-Game Format

Although the UTEP men's and women's basketball schedules have not yet been released, Conference USA announced today a new scheduling format that they will adopt for the 2020-21 season. The biggest takeaway will be moving to an 18-game schedule focusing on the safety of the student athletes.

16 of the 18 contests will feature two games at the same venue over a three day period. Teams will play four league series at home and four series on the road. One rival opponent will be chosen for the traditional home and away game. The idea of playing two games at the same venue is designed to cut down on travel costs to reduce the spread of COVID-19. If any games get postponed, C-USA is keeping the final week of the regular season open in order to play any make-up contests. The top 12 teams from the regular season will once again qualify for the C-USA Men's and Women's Championship.

As for UTEP, my guess is that UTSA will be their "rival" school with a home and away game. It is anyone's guess as to which eight schools play the Miners during this new league format. Since travel and safety is the main concern, North Texas, Rice, and Louisiana Tech should be the obvious choices. FIU, FAU, and Old Dominion are the farthest road trips for UTEP, so those programs might not be part of this season's schedule for Miners fans. My only wish is that Western Kentucky makes UTEP's conference slate so we finally get to see Charles Bassey collide with Bryson Williams.