Arizona's 2017-18 men's basketball schedule, updated with dates and tipoff times
Basketball is (kind of) back. Prepare for the season with our game-by-game breakdown.
Arizona Wildcats finalize nonconference schedule, release Pac-12 slate
Updated
Arizona Wildcats head coach Sean Miller converses with an official during the first half of the University of Arizona Wildcats vs. North Dakota Fighting Hawks in the first round of the NCAA Tournament on March 16, 2017, at Vivint Smart Home Arena in Salt Lake City, Utah. Mike Christy / Arizona Daily Star
Arizona and Alabama signed contracts cementing their two-year home-and-home series to to complete the Wildcats' 2017-18 nonconference schedule.
UA wound up with half of its nonconference games (other than those in the competitive Battle 4 Atlantis field) against teams who posted RPIs between 59-121 last season, though its highest-rated opponent is Cal State Bakersfield in a "guarantee" game.
The Roadrunners were also invited to McKale last season, playing the shorthanded Wildcats within 12 points. Guarantee opponents such as Bakersfield are paid flat fees, usually between $85,000-$95,000, instead of getting the Wildcats to return the game at their home.
The one-time "guarantee" games are against NAU, UMBC (technically part of the Atlantis event), Bakersfield, LBSU, and North Dakota State.
Also in 2018-19, Arizona will open a home-and-home series with Baylor at McKale Center.
The Wildcats will also play in the 2018 Maui Invitational, as part of a loaded field that includes Duke, Xavier, Gonzaga, San Diego State, Auburn, Illinois and Iowa State.
How many loses will the Arizona Wildcats mens basketball team finish with at the end of the regular season?
UpdatedWith the Wildcats' full 2017-18 schedule now set in stone (or close to it), how many losses will cross Arizona's path before the Pac-12 Tournament?
Alabama likely the top dog coming to McKale this fall
Updated
Arizona Wildcats guard Allonzo Trier (35) slips a behind-the-back pass as he's guarded by UCLA Bruins guard Isaac Hamilton (10) during the first half of the No. 4 Arizona Wildcats vs. No. 5 UCLA Bruins men's college basketball game on Feb. 25, 2017, in McKale Center in Tucson, Ariz. Mike Christy / Arizona Daily Star
Alabama will likely be the biggest name nonconference opponent Arizona will play at McKale. The two-year home-and-home series the Tide signed with the Wildcats was mostly negotiated between UA coach Sean Miller and Alabama AD Greg Byrne, though Reynolds said Alabama coach Avery Johnson was also interested.
If UNLV (RPI of 239 last season) and Long Beach State (213) are better next season, only NAU (335) could seriously drag the Wildcats down, though that game is played for obvious noncompetitive reasons that include the fact that Lumberjacks coach Jack Murphy is a former UA staffer.
Here is Arizona's 2017-18 schedule:
Oct. 20: Red-Blue Game
Updated
Arizona Wildcats guard Rawle Alkins (1) gets an assist from Arizona Wildcats head coach Sean Miller during the dunk contest before the University of Arizona Wildcats Red-Blue Game on Oct. 14, 2016, at McKale Center in Tucson, Ariz. Mike Christy / Arizona Daily Star
When: Oct. 20, 7 p.m.
Where: McKale Center
TV: Pac-12 Arizona
Notable: The Red-Blue Game serves as the unofficial start to the season.
Nov. 1: Eastern New Mexico (exhibition)
Updated
Arizona Wildcats center Dusan Ristic (14) shoots after gathering his own rebound around Arizona State Sun Devils forward Obinna Oleka (5) during the first half of the No. 7 Arizona Wildcats vs. Arizona State Sun Devils men's college basketball game on March 4, 2017, in Wells Fargo Arena in Tempe, Ariz. Mike Christy / Arizona Daily Star
When: Nov. 1, 7 p.m.
Where: McKale Center
TV: Pac-12 Arizona
Last time: The two teams last met in 1961. Arizona won.
Series history: Arizona is 1-0 against Eastern New Mexico.
Fast fact: The Greyhounds posted a 13-15 record overall last season.
Nov. 5: Chico State (exhibition)
Updated
Kobi Simmons, of Arizona, gets pumped as he defends Joseph Lynch, of Chico State, in the first half during a game at McKale Center on Sunday November 06, 2016. Mamta Popat / Arizona Daily Star
When: Nov. 5, 4 p.m.
Where: McKale Center
TV: Pac-12 Arizona
Last time: Arizona hosted Chico State on Nov. 6 last year for an exhibition game. Arizona won 78-70.
Fast fact: Chico State finished last season with a 26-8 record overall.
Nov. 10: Northern Arizona
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Arizona forward Mark Tollefsen (23) can't believe the Wildcats got called for foul on a supposed blocked shot by Northern Arizona forward Felix Rivera-Vega (13) in the second half of their game at McKale Center, Wednesday, Dec. 16, 2015, Tucson, Ariz. Kelly Presnell / Arizona Daily Star
When: Nov. 10, 7 p.m.
Where: McKale Center
TV: Pac-12 Arizona
Last time: Arizona last met the Lumberjacks on Dec. 16, 2015 at McKale Center. The Wildcats rolled to a 92-37 win. Mark Tollefsen led the way with 19 points and eight rebounds, while Ryan Anderson contributed a double-double (18 points, 12 rebounds).
Series history: Arizona is 97-27 all-time against NAU.
Fast fact: NAU posted a 9-23 record overall last season.
Nov. 12: UMBC (Battle 4 Atlantis add-on game)
Updated
Arizona guard Rawle Alkins (1) gestures after draining a 3 against Washington State in the second half of their Pac-12 game at McKale Center, Thursday, Jan. 26, 2017, Tucson, Ariz. Kelly Presnell / Arizona Daily Star
When: Nov. 12, 4 p.m.
Where: McKale Center
TV: Pac-12 Arizona
Series history: Arizona has never played UMBC.
Fast fact: UMCB finished with a 21-13 record overall last season.
Nov. 16: Cal State Bakersfield
Updated
Arizona forward Lauri Markkanen (10) finishes off a coast-to-coast run with a dunk over Cal State Bakersfield forward Matt Smith (0) in the first half of their game at McKale Center, Saturday, November 15, 2016, Tucson, Ariz. Kelly Presnell / Arizona Daily Star
When: Nov. 16, 8 p.m.
Where: McKale Center
TV: Pac-12 Arizona
Last time: Arizona beat CSU Bakersfield 78-66 last season on Nov. 15 at McKale Center. UA's freshman trio combined for 54 points: Lauri Markkanen (26), Rawle Alkins (15), Kobi Simmons (13).
Series history: Arizona is 2-0 all-time against CSU Bakersfield.
Fast fact: CSU Bakersfield posted a 25-10 record overall last season (12-2 WAC). The Roadrunners lost in the semifinals of the NIT postseason tournament.
Nov. 22: North Carolina State (Battle 4 Atlantis)
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Arizona Wildcats head coach Sean Miller hollers from the bench during the second half of the No. 4 Arizona Wildcats vs. No. 5 UCLA Bruins men's college basketball game on Feb. 25, 2017, in McKale Center in Tucson, Ariz. UCLA won 77-72. Mike Christy / Arizona Daily Star
When: Nov. 22, 5 p.m.
Where: Imperial Island, Bahamas
TV: TBD
Notable: The Battle 4 Atlantis is an eight-team tournament on Paradise Island in the Bahamas. Arizona will face N.C. State in the first round, and with a win would face Southern Methodist or Northern Iowa. Both Villanova and Purdue loom as possible championship game opponents should the Wildcats make it that far.
Nov. 23: Northern Iowa/SMU
Updated
Arizona players celebrate after defeating Oregon 83-80 in an NCAA college basketball game for the championship of the Pac-12 men's tournament Saturday, March 11, 2017, in Las Vegas. (AP Photo/John Locher)
When: Nov. 23, Time TBA
Where: Imperial Island, Bahamas
TV: TBA
Nov. 29: Long Beach State
Updated
Arizona forward Ryan Anderson (12) works his way under the basket against the Long Beach State defense in the second half of their game at McKale Center, Tuesday, Dec. 22, 2015, Tucson, Ariz. Kelly Presnell / Arizona Daily Star
When: Nov. 29, 6 p.m.
Where: McKale Center
TV: Pac-12 Arizona
Last time: Arizona took down Long Beach State 85-70 on Dec. 22, 2015. Allonzo Trier led the Wildcats in scoring with 20 points (5-9 FGs, 3-5 3PT). Ryan Anderson posted a double-double with 11 points and 14 rebounds.
Series history: Arizona is 6-0 all-time against the 49ers.
Fast fact: Long Beach State finished with a 15-19 record overall last season.
Dec. 2: at UNLV
Updated
Arizona guard Allonzo Trier (11) polishes off a fast break with a two-hander against UNLV in the second half of their game at McKale Center, Saturday, Dec. 19, 2015, Tucson, Ariz. Kelly Presnell / Arizona Daily Star
When: Dec. 2, 8 p.m.
Where: Thomas & Mack Arena, Las Vegas
TV: CBS Sports Network
Last time: Arizona beat UNLV 82-70 on Dec. 19, 2015 at McKale Center. All five Wildcats starters scored in double figures: Dusan Ristic (20), Ryan Anderson (17), Kadeem Allen (15), Allonzo Trier (15), Gabe York (11).
Series history: Arizona is 8-12 all-time against UNLV.
Fast fact: UNLV is the final installment of a four-year series that started between Sean Miller and then-UNLV coach Dave Rice.
Dec. 5: Texas A&M (in Phoenix)
Updated
Arizona Wildcats guard Rawle Alkins (1) and Texas A&M Aggies forward DJ Hogg (1) get tangled up over a loose ball in the first half during a game at the Toyota Center in Houston, Texas on Saturday, Dec. 17, 2016. Mamta Popat / Arizona Daily Star
When: Dec. 5, 7 p.m.
Where: Talking Stick Arena, Phoenix
TV: ESPN2
Last time: Arizona edged Texas A&M 67-63 on Dec. 17, 2016 on a neutral court in Houston. Dusan Ristic (18 points) and Lauri Markkanen (17 points) led the way for the Wildcats.
Series history: Arizona is 7-1 all-time against Texas A&M.
Fast fact: Texas A&M is the final game in a semi-neutral series that put the teams in Houston last season.
Dec. 9: Alabama
Updated
Arizona State guard Kodi Justice (44) and Alabama forward Shannon Hale (11) battle for a rebound in the first half in consolation game of the CBE Hall of Fame Classic college baseball tournament Tuesday, Nov. 25, 2014, in Kansas City, Mo. (AP Photo/Ed Zurga)
When: Dec. 9, 8 p.m.
Where: McKale Center
TV: ESPN2
Last time: Alabama beat Arizona 77-55 on March 18, 1990 in the second round of the NCAA Tournament.
Series history: Arizona is 0-2 all-time against Alabama.
Fast fact: Alabama will host a second game with UA on Dec. 9, 2018.
Dec. 16: at New Mexico
Updated
Arizona center Chance Comanche (21) works his way through the Lobos defense for a shot against New Mexico in the second half of their game at McKale Center, Tuesday, Dec. 20, 2016, Tucson, Ariz. Kelly Presnell / Arizona Daily Star
When: Dec. 16, 6 p.m.
Where: The Pit, Albuquerque
TV: CBS Sports Network
Last time: Arizona rolled past New Mexico 77-46 last season at McKale Center. Chance Comanche posted 14 points and didn't miss a shot (6-6 FGs). He also grabbed eight rebounds.
Series history: The Wildcats are 84-42 all-time against the Lobos.
Fast fact: New Mexico is the final game of a two-year series that began at McKale last season.
Dec 18: North Dakota State
Updated
Arizona Wildcats fans hoist the state flag during the first half of the University of Arizona Wildcats vs. North Dakota Fighting Hawks in the first round of the NCAA Tournament on March 16, 2017, at Vivint Smart Home Arena in Salt Lake City, Utah. Mike Christy / Arizona Daily Star
When: Dec. 18, 7 p.m.
Where: McKale Center
TV: Pac-12 Arizona
Series history: Arizona has never played North Dakota State.
Fast fact: The Bison posted a 19-11 record overall last season.
Dec 21: Connecticut
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Arizona's Kevin Parrom tangles with Connecticut's Jeremy Lamb in the fight for a rebound in the second half in their NCAA West Regional Final game at the Honda Center, Anaheim, Calif., Saturday, March 26, 2011. Kelly Presnell / Arizona Daily Star
When: Dec. 21, 7 p.m.
Where: McKale Center
TV: ESPN2
Last time: The Wildcats fell to UConn 65-63 in the Elite Eight of the 2011 NCAA Tournament. Derrick Williams posted 20 points and five rebounds.
Series history: Arizona has never beat the Huskies. The Wildcats are 0-5 all-time against UConn.
Fast fact: UConn is the first game in a two-year series that will continue next season at Storrs, Conn.
Arizona's Pac-12 schedule will make purists happy
Updated
Arizona Wildcats head coach Sean Miller converses with an official during the first half of the University of Arizona Wildcats vs. North Dakota Fighting Hawks in the first round of the NCAA Tournament on March 16, 2017, at Vivint Smart Home Arena in Salt Lake City, Utah. Mike Christy / Arizona Daily Star
Arizona Wildcats fans who prefer regular tipoff times and traditional Thursday-Saturday Pac-12 weekends will enjoy UA's 2017-18 schedule.
Even after the TV networks divvied up the Pac-12 games and released their schedule Wednesday, the Wildcats were left with:
• No games after 8:30 p.m. (even after translating from Pacific time in some cases).
• 10 games at 7 p.m.
• Five day games (starting at 4 p.m. or earlier)
• No Sunday Pac-12 games
• No Wednesday Pac-12 home games
• Only two “extra day” Pac-12 weekends – the Bay Area trip (Jan. 17-20) and the Washington trip (Jan. 31-Feb. 3).
Dec. 30: Arizona State
Updated
Arizona Wildcats forward Lauri Markkanen (10) lines up for another 3-pointer as Arizona State Sun Devils guard Kodi Justice (44) tries to block the shot in the first half during a game at McKale Center on Thursday, Jan. 12, 2017. Arizona won 91-75. Mamta Popat / Arizona Daily Star
When: Dec. 30, 7 p.m.
Where: McKale Center
TV: Pac-12 Arizona
Last time: Arizona beat ASU 91-75 at McKale Center last season.
Jan. 4 at Utah
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Arizona forward Lauri Markkanen (10) slams home a dunk late in the first half to give the Wildcats their first lead of the game against Colorado at McKale Center, Saturday, Jan. 7, 2017, Tucson, Ariz. Kelly Presnell / Arizona Daily Star
When: Jan. 4, 7 p.m.
Where: Huntsman Center, Salt Lake City
TV: ESPN/ESPN2
Last time: Arizona did not play at Utah last season.
Jan. 6: at Colorado
Updated
Arizona players celebrate after defeating Colorado in an NCAA college basketball game in the quarterfinals of the Pac-12 Tournament on Thursday, March 9, 2017, in Las Vegas. (AP Photo/John Locher)
When: Jan. 6, noon
Where: Coors Events Center; Boulder, Colorado
TV: Pac-12 Arizona
Last time: Arizona did not play at Colorado last year.
Jan. 11: Oregon State
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Arizona guard Rawle Alkins (1) throws a two-handed defense on Oregon State forward Drew Eubanks (12) in the first half of their Pac-12 game at Gill Coliseum, Thursday, Feb. 2, 2017, Corvallis, Ore. Kelly Presnell / Arizona Daily Star
When: Jan. 11, 7 p.m.
Where: McKale Center
TV: Pac-12 Arizona
Last time: Arizona did not host Oregon State last season.
Jan. 13: Oregon
Updated
Arizona players celebrate after defeating Oregon in an NCAA college basketball game in the championship of the Pac-12 men’s tournament Saturday, March 11, 2017, in Las Vegas. Arizona won 83-80. (AP Photo/John Locher)
When: Jan. 13, noon
Where: McKale Center
TV: ESPN/ESPN2
Last time: Arizona did not host Oregon last year. The Wildcats lost at Oregon, but beat the Ducks in the Pac-12 tournament.
Jan. 17: at Cal
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Arizona Wildcats guard Kadeem Allen (5) motors into the paint past California Golden Bears forward Ivan Rabb (1) during the first half of the No. 18 University of Arizona Wildcats vs. University of California Golden Bears men's college basketball game on Dec. 30, 2016, at Haas Pavilion in Berkeley, Calif. Mike Christy / Arizona Daily Star
When: Jan. 17, 7 p.m.
Where: Haas Pavilion; Berkeley, California
TV: Pac-12 Arizona
Last time: Arizona beat Cal 67-62 when the teams met last year in Berkeley.
Jan. 20: at Stanford
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Arizona Wildcats guard Rawle Alkins (1) and Arizona Wildcats forward Keanu Pinder (25) clog the paint as they defend Stanford Cardinal guard Marcus Sheffield (14) during the first half of the No. 18 University of Arizona Wildcats vs. Stanford University Cardinal men’s college basketball game on Jan. 1, 2017, at Maples Pavilion in Palo Alto, Calif. Mike Christy / Arizona Daily Star
When: Jan. 20, 2 p.m.
Where: Maples Pavilion; Palo Alto, California
TV: Ch. 13
Last time: Arizona beat Stanford 91-52 when the teams met last year in California.
Jan. 25: Colorado
Updated
Alkins on his basketball future: “I have no plan. I’m living day by day. I take everything day by day.”
When: Jan. 25, 6:30 p.m.
Where: Pac-12 Arizona
TV: Fox Sports 1
Opponents: Colorado and Utah
Last time: Arizona beat Colorado 82-73 last season at McKale Center.
Jan. 27: Utah
Updated
Arizona guard Kadeem Allen (5) rises above the scrum under the basket to launch a shot against Utah in the second half of their Pac-12 game at McKale Center, Thursday, Jan. 5, 2017, Tucson, Ariz. Kelly Presnell / Arizona Daily Star
When: Jan. 27, 3:30 p.m.
Where: McKale Center
TV: Fox Sports 1
Last time: The Wildcats beat Utah 66-56 at McKale Center.
Jan. 31: at Washington State
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Washington State Cougars forward Jeff Pollard (13) passes the ball before falling on the floor as Arizona Wildcats guard Allonzo Trier (35) and Arizona Wildcats guard Parker Jackson-Cartwright (0) look on in the first half during a game at Beasley Coliseum in Pullman, Wash., on Thursday, Feb. 16, 2017. Arizona won 78-59. Mamta Popat / Arizona Daily Star
When: Jan. 31, 8 p.m.
Where: Beasley Coliseum; Pullman, Washington
TV: 8 p.m.
Last time: Arizona beat the Cougars 76-68 last season in Pullman.
Feb. 3: at Washington
Updated
Arizona Wildcats guard Allonzo Trier (35) stops short in his tracks as he's defended by Washington Huskies forward Devenir Duruisseau (24) in the first half during a game at Alaska Airlines Arena in Seattle, Wash., on Saturday, Feb. 18, 2017. Arizona won 76-68. Mamta Popat / Arizona Daily Star
When: Feb. 3, 8:30 p.m.
When: Alaska Airlines Arena; Seattle, Washington
TV: Pac-12 Arizona
Last time: The Wildcats beat the Huskies 76-68 in Seattle.
Feb. 8: UCLA
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Arizona Wildcats head coach Sean Miller is furious with referee Dave Hall over the combo of a non-call and a foul called on forward Lauri Markkanen (10) during the ensuing possession in the first half of the No. 4 Arizona Wildcats vs. No. 5 UCLA Bruins men's college basketball game on Feb. 25, 2017, in McKale Center in Tucson, Ariz. Mike Christy / Arizona Daily Star
When: Feb. 8, 8 p.m.
Where: McKale Center
TV: ESPN
Last time: UCLA beat the UA 77-72 last season in McKale Center.
Feb. 10: USC
Updated
Arizona guard Kobi Simmons (2) forces his way into the lane by USC guard Jonah Mathews (2) in the first half of their Pac-12 game at McKale Center, Thursday, February 23, 2017, Tucson, Ariz. Kelly Presnell / Arizona Daily Star
When: Feb. 10, 8:15 p.m.
Where: McKale Center
TV: ESPN/ESPN2
Last time: The Wildcats beat USC 90-77 last year in McKale Center.
Feb. 15: at Arizona State
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Arizona Wildcats guard Allonzo Trier (35) is guarded by Arizona State Sun Devils guard Tra Holder (0) and Arizona State Sun Devils forward Obinna Oleka (5) in the second half during the No. 7 Arizona Wildcats vs. Arizona State Sun Devils men's college basketball game on March 4, 2017, in Wells Fargo Arena in Tempe, Ariz. Arizona won 73-60. Mike Christy / Arizona Daily Star
When: Feb. 15, 7 p.m.
Where: Wells Fargo Arena, Tempe
TV: ESPN/ESPN2
Last time: The Wildcats beat the Sun Devils 73-60 in Tempe last season.
Feb. 22: at Oregon State
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All eyes are on Arizona guard Kobi Simmons (2) as he grabs a one-handed alley-oop from guard Parker Jackson-Cartwright (0) against Oregon State in the second half of their Pac-12 game at Gill Coliseum, Thursday, Feb. 2, 2017, Corvallis, Ore. Kelly Presnell / Arizona Daily Star
When: Feb. 22, 7 p.m.
Where: Gill Coliseum; Corvallis, Oregon
TV: Fox Sports 1
Last time: The Wildcats beat the Beavers 71-54 in Corvallis last season.
Feb. 24: at Oregon
Updated
Arizona guard Kobi Simmons (2) finishes off a Wildcat fast break against Oregon in the first half of their Pac-12 game at Matthew Knight Arena, Saturday, Feb. 4, 2017, Eugene, Ore. Kelly Presnell / Arizona Daily Star
When: Feb. 24, time TBA
Where: Matthew Knight Arena; Eugene, Oregon
TV: ESPN/ESPN2
Last time: Oregon beat the UA 85-58 last year in Eugene.
March 1: Stanford
Updated
Arizona forward Keanu Pinder (25) breaks down Stanford center Grant Verhoeven (30) on a shot in the first half of their Pac-12 game at McKale Center, Wednesday, Feb. 8, 2017, Tucson, Ariz. Kelly Presnell / Arizona Daily Star
When: March 1, 8 p.m.
Where: McKale Center
TV: Fox Sports 1
Last time: The Wildcats took down Stanford 74-67 when the Cardinal came to Tucson last season.
March 3: Cal
Updated
Arizona Wildcats forward Lauri Markkanen (10) guards California Golden Bears center Kameron Rooks (44) during the second half of the University of California Golden Bears vs. No. 9 University of Arizona Wildcats men’s college basketball game on Feb. 11, 2017, at McKale Center in Tucson, Ariz. Arizona won 62-57. Mike Christy / Arizona Daily Star
When: March 3, time TBA
Where: McKale Center
TV: Pac-12 Arizona
Last time: Arizona beat the Golden Bears 62-57 at McKale Center last season.
