Southern Illinoise University Athletics
Paradise Jam Field, Schedule Announced; SIU Tips Off Against UT Martin
07/30/2026 | 9:00:00 | Men's Basketball
CARBONDALE, Ill. – A loaded field, a tropical destination and three days of November basketball await SIU Men's Basketball as tournament officials unveiled the complete bracket and schedule for the 2026 U.S. Virgin Islands Paradise Jam. The Salukis will join seven other Division I programs in St. Thomas on Nov. 20-23 as they compete for one of college basketball's premier early-season tournament championships.
SIU will open the tournament against UT Martin on Friday, Nov. 20, at 5:30 p.m. CST. The winner advances to the championship bracket semifinals on Nov. 21, while the loser moves into the consolation bracket.
The eight-team field includes Temple, Middle Tennessee, Indiana State, Stephen F. Austin, UT Martin, SIU, East Carolina and Utah Valley. The tournament also features fellow Missouri Valley Conference member Indiana State, creating the possibility of a postseason-style league matchup on a national stage.
The tournament concludes Nov. 23 with championship and placement games. Game times remain subject to change.
2026 Pa
radise Jam First-Round Schedule (Central Time)
The Paradise Jam has become one of college basketball's premier early-season tournaments, regularly attracting strong programs from across the country. This year's field includes representatives from the American Athletic Conference, Conference USA, Missouri Valley Conference, Ohio Valley Conference, Southland Conference and Western Athletic Conference.
Saluki fans interested in following the team to St. Thomas can purchase official Paradise Jam fan travel packages, which include lodging options and game passes for the tournament. Complete information, package details and a comprehensive FAQ are available at https://www.basketballtravelers.com/pj2026fanpackagesgamepasses.
The packages provide fans with an opportunity to experience the Paradise Jam while supporting the Salukis throughout the event.
SIU will open the tournament against UT Martin on Friday, Nov. 20, at 5:30 p.m. CST. The winner advances to the championship bracket semifinals on Nov. 21, while the loser moves into the consolation bracket.
The eight-team field includes Temple, Middle Tennessee, Indiana State, Stephen F. Austin, UT Martin, SIU, East Carolina and Utah Valley. The tournament also features fellow Missouri Valley Conference member Indiana State, creating the possibility of a postseason-style league matchup on a national stage.
The tournament concludes Nov. 23 with championship and placement games. Game times remain subject to change.
2026 Pa
radise Jam First-Round Schedule (Central Time)
- Temple vs. Middle Tennessee, 12:30 p.m.
- Indiana State vs. Stephen F. Austin, 3 p.m.
- SIU vs. UT Martin, 5:30 p.m.
- East Carolina vs. Utah Valley, 8 p.m.
The Paradise Jam has become one of college basketball's premier early-season tournaments, regularly attracting strong programs from across the country. This year's field includes representatives from the American Athletic Conference, Conference USA, Missouri Valley Conference, Ohio Valley Conference, Southland Conference and Western Athletic Conference.
Saluki fans interested in following the team to St. Thomas can purchase official Paradise Jam fan travel packages, which include lodging options and game passes for the tournament. Complete information, package details and a comprehensive FAQ are available at https://www.basketballtravelers.com/pj2026fanpackagesgamepasses.
The packages provide fans with an opportunity to experience the Paradise Jam while supporting the Salukis throughout the event.
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