Northwestern Men’s Basketball Announces Cancun Challenge Schedule

EVANSTON, Ill. – Northwestern men's basketball has announced its three-game schedule for the 2022 Cancun Challenge. The slate features one game played on campus before shifting to the Hard Rock Hotel Riviera Maya during Thanksgiving Week for two games.
 
The Wildcats begin the MTE by hosting Purdue Fort Wayne at Welsh-Ryan Arena on Friday, Nov. 18, at a time to be determined. NU is 1-0 all-time against the Mastodons and will meet for the first time since a 73-49 win on Feb. 11, 2006.
 
Competition begins in Cancun on Tuesday, Nov. 22 at 7:30 p.m. CT against Liberty in the challenge's Riviera Division. The 'Cats are 2-0 all-time against the Flames and will play on a neutral floor for the first time.
 
A game against either defending SEC regular season champion Auburn or Bradley will be NU's final game of the event at 6 p.m. or 8:30 p.m. CT on Wednesday, Nov. 23. The Wildcats have never played Auburn and are 9-1 against the Braves.
 
Northwestern is making its second Cancun Challenge appearance, last participating in the event in 2014.
 
CANCUN CLASSIC COMPLETE SCHEDULE
 
US GAMES (times TBA)
 
Tuesday, Nov. 15
Eastern Michigan at Bradley
Winthrop at Auburn

Friday, Nov. 18
Southern Miss at Liberty
Purdue Fort Wayne at Northwestern
 
MEXICO GAMES (all times ET; second team listed is home)
 
Tuesday, Nov. 22
MAYAN DIVISION
12:30 p.m. – Purdue Fort Wayne vs. Eastern Michigan
3 p.m. – Southern Miss vs. Winthrop
RIVIERA DIVISION
6 p.m. – Bradley vs. Auburn
8:30 p.m. – Liberty vs. Northwestern
 
Wednesday, Nov. 23
MAYAN DIVISION
12:30 p.m. – Purdue Fort Wayne/Eastern Michigan loser vs. Southern Miss/Winthrop loser
3 p.m. – Purdue Fort Wayne/Eastern Michigan winner vs. Southern Miss/Winthrop winner
RIVIERA DIVISION
6 p.m. – Bradley/Auburn loser vs. Liberty/Northwestern loser
8:30 p.m. – Bradley/Auburn winner vs. Liberty/Northwestern winner