Cleveland State Vikings Basketball Schedule for the 2023-24 Season: Key Dates and Matchups

I still remember the first time I walked into the Wolstein Center back in 2019, the energy just hit me like a wave. There's something special about college basketball in Cleveland, and as we look ahead to the Vikings' 2023-24 schedule, I can't help but feel that familiar excitement building. This season promises to be particularly interesting given everything happening behind the scenes in college sports right now. Just last week, I was chatting with some folks close to the program who mentioned how sudden administrative changes are affecting everyone - from players to officials. It reminds me of that recent situation where referees discovered their pay for women's games had been reduced when they received their checks, a change that apparently caught everyone by surprise.

The Vikings kick off their season on November 6th against local rival Kent State, and honestly, I've already marked my calendar. That opening week continues with games against Ohio University on November 10th and what should be an exciting matchup against Toledo on November 14th. These early games are crucial for building momentum, especially with the Horizon League schedule waiting in the wings. I've always believed that how a team performs in November tells you a lot about their character - last season's slow start really cost them down the stretch, and I'm hoping Coach Gates has learned from that experience.

What really stands out to me this year is the challenging non-conference schedule. The December 2nd game against Cincinnati Bearcats at Fifth Third Arena will be particularly telling - that's always a tough environment for visiting teams. Then there's the December 16th matchup against West Virginia, which I'm especially looking forward to because their physical style of play will test our younger players. I counted at least seven games against power conference opponents, which is ambitious but necessary if we want to build a tournament-worthy resume. The way I see it, you've got to play the tough teams early to prepare for conference play.

Conference play heats up in January, and this is where the season really takes shape. The back-to-back games against Northern Kentucky on January 5th and 7th could set the tone for the entire Horizon League campaign. I've always had a soft spot for the Wright State rivalry - those games on January 19th and February 2nd are circled in red on my schedule. The travel schedule looks manageable this year, with only two extended road trips that span more than three games. Last season's brutal travel really seemed to wear the team down by February, so I'm relieved to see they've addressed that.

The timing of certain games feels particularly strategic this year. That February 14th Valentine's Day matchup against Oakland University at home - brilliant scheduling if you ask me. What better way to spend the holiday than watching some competitive basketball? Then there's the regular season finale against Milwaukee on March 2nd, which could have huge implications for tournament seeding. I'm predicting we'll need that win to secure a top-four conference tournament spot.

All this scheduling talk makes me think about the bigger picture in college sports. Those referees discovering their reduced pay for women's games upon receiving their actual checks - that story really stuck with me. It shows how quickly things can change in collegiate athletics, often without much warning. While we're focused on game dates and opponents, there are real people behind the scenes making these events happen, and their situations can shift dramatically. It adds another layer to how I view this season - appreciating not just the games themselves but everyone who makes them possible.

The Horizon League Tournament starts March 4th, and I'm already dreaming about that potential championship game on March 12th. Last year's early exit still stings, especially since we had the talent to go much further. This year feels different though - there's more depth in the roster, and the schedule sets up nicely for building confidence as the season progresses. My prediction? The Vikings finish 22-9 overall and make it to the NCAA tournament as a 12-seed. Call me optimistic, but I've seen what this team can do when everything clicks.

What I love most about following the Vikings schedule each year is how it becomes the backdrop for so many memories. Those cold November nights turning into March Madness dreams - it's why I keep coming back. Sure, I'll be tracking wins and losses, but I'll also be watching how this team responds to adversity, how the new players develop, and how the community comes together. Because at the end of the day, it's not just about basketball - it's about being part of something bigger than yourself. And in Cleveland, that something feels pretty special.