Alabama Basketball Releases 2014-15 Non-Conference Schedule

After playing a non-conference schedule that was ranked as the ninth-toughest in the nation a year ago, the Alabama men’s basketball team will play another challenging non-conference slate during the 2014-15 season, which was announced by head coach Anthony Grant on Friday.

"We are excited about this year’s non-conference schedule,” Grant said. “Each year we look to put together the most challenging schedule and this year is no different. We feel these games will be great preparation for the rigors of the always difficult SEC season.”

This year’s schedule is highlighted by a home game against UCLA on Dec. 28. The Bruins, who reached the Sweet 16 a year ago, will make their first appearance at Alabama.

In addition to facing UCLA in Coleman Coliseum, the Tide will also play host to defending Conference USA regular season champions Southern Miss on Nov. 20 and American Athletic Conference foe South Florida on Dec. 2.

Alabama will play two true road games in non-league play, both coming against a pair of NCAA Tournament teams from a year ago. The Tide will travel for games at Xavier on Dec. 6 and at Wichita State on Dec. 16. UA played both teams at home a year ago, narrowly losing each contest. The Tide fell by three points (77-74) to Xavier and by five points (72-67) to Wichita State.

Alabama will open the 2014-15 regular season with a three-game homestand. As part of the 2014 CBE Hall of Fame Classic, the Tide will open the campaign against Towson on Nov. 14, followed by a match-up with Western Carolina on Nov. 17.

Following the homestand, the Tide will travel to Kansas City, Mo., where it will play a pair of games in the CBE Hall of Fame Classic finals on Nov. 24 and Nov. 25. Alabama open the event on Nov. 24 against Iowa State at 8:30 p.m. CT on ESPN2. Maryland will take on Arizona State in the other semifinal, with the winners and losers of each game advancing to the consolation and championship games on Nov. 25.

The Tide will face at least four and as many as five teams (if UA was to play Arizona State in the second round of the Hall of Fame Classic) during the 13-game non-conference slate who appeared in last year’s NCAA Tournament.

Furthermore, nine of the Tide’s 13 non-conference games will be played at Coleman Coliseum, which marks the most home games in non-conference play since playing nine home games during the 2009-10 season.

Alabama’s Southeastern Conference schedule, as well as all start times and television carriers, will be announced at a later date.

Date Opponent Location

Nov. 14 TOWSON# TUSCALOOSA

Nov. 17 WESTERN CAROLINA# TUSCALOOSA

Nov. 20 SOUTHERN MISS TUSCALOOSA

Nov. 24 vs. Iowa State% Kansas City, Mo.

Nov. 25 vs. Maryland/Arizona State% Kansas City, Mo.

Dec. 2 SOUTH FLORIDA TUSCALOOSA

Dec. 6 at Xavier Cincinnati, Ohio

Dec. 13 TENNESSEE TECH TUSCALOOSA

Dec. 16 at Wichita State TUSCALOOSA

Dec. 19 STILLMAN TUSCALOOSA