Despite being in-state opponents, the Muskies and Buccaneers have been generally infrequent foes over the years. Last year's meeting was the first in 13 years and went to Beloit, taking an 86-67 decision on its home court Dec. 16, 2025 thanks to a 23-6 run in the second half. Lakeland's last win over Beloit came Nov. 20, 2012 on the road, and the Muskies also won the last time the teams played at the Woltzen Gymnasium, taking a 94-83 victory Nov. 22, 2011. The series dates back to Feb. 8, 1977, when the Buccaneers won the teams' first meeting 83-74 at home in Beloit.

About Lakeland: The Muskies go into a new season under 10th-year head coach Sam Schroeder with what will certainly be a new-look team after finishing 9-17 overall last year and 7-11 in the Northern Athletics Collegiate Conference. Lakeland must replace four starters from last year and its top four scorers, returning just 19% of its scoring, 32% of its rebounding and 30% of the collective minutes played from last year. Parker Braun is the team's lone returning starter and averaged 7.0 points and a team-high 6.2 rebounds per game, while Emmitt Konieczny often was the first player off the bench and averaged 5.2 points per game and hit 34 three-pointers. The Muskies' roster includes 12 newcomers, including eight freshmen plus four transfers. A young team has just two seniors-Braun and R.J. Hines Jr.

About Beloit: The Buccaneers are in a somewhat similar situation to the Muskies, needing to replace a good deal of experience from last year. Eight different players started at least 11 games last year and four of them return, though the departed include three of the team's four leading scorers. Beloit does bring back its leading scorer last year in Anthony Carter, who averaged 14.3 points and 3.6 rebounds per game last year and made 47 three-pointers. Owen Geiger, Will Schubert and Austin Walker also combined to start 37 games a year ago and all averaged between 4.4 and 5.3 points per game. The Buccaneers finished 5-20 overall last year and went 0-16 in the Midwest Conference. Beloit was 2-1 against Lakeland and its NACC brethren last year, though, also defeating Rockford while losing to Marian.

Lakeland in openers: The Muskies begin their 94th season of intercollegiate basketball competition and enter the game with an almost even record of 47-46 all-time in their season debuts.  Lakeland has dropped its last three season openers, including a 93-79 loss to Beloit's Midwest Conference rival Lawrence last year. The Muskies have been better in home openers, with a 57-36 mark all-time in their first home game of the season. Lakeland has lost its last two home openers, but before that had won 12 of its previous 14 openers at the Woltzen Gym.