Valparaiso University head coach Homer Drew has announced the 2005-2006 Crusader men's basketball schedule.

The Brown and Gold are slated to begin the 26-game slate on November 23 in Fort Wayne, Ind. against IPFW before returning to the Athletics-Recreation Center on November 28 for the home opener against Indiana-South Bend.

The non-conference portion of the schedule is a challenging one once again, as the Crusaders will make an appearance at the Hawkeye Challenge in Iowa City, Iowa on December 2-3. Valpo will face Tulane in the first round with a date against either host Iowa or Fairfield slated for the second night.

Valpo also four other non-conference road games on the schedule, highlighted by trips to Marquette (Dec. 7), Charlotte (Dec. 10), and Duke (Dec. 18). Valpo will also play a home and home with Longwood, while IPFW will also return a visit to the ARC.

The 16-game Mid-Continent Conference schedule opens at home on December 27 against UMKC and concludes on the road at Oral Roberts on February 25, prior to the Crusaders returning to Tulsa, Okla. the following weekend for the Mid-Con Tournament March 4-7.