MBB Announces 2016-17 Non-Conference Slate

NORMAN — University of Oklahoma Head Men's Basketball Coach Lon Kruger and Vice President and Director of Athletics Joe Castiglione announced the Sooners' 13-game 2016-17 non-conference schedule Monday. The slate for OU, which is coming off of its fifth Final Four in school history, features eight home matchups (one of them exhibition) and potentially four contests against teams that participated in last year's NCAA Tournament.

Highlighting the schedule are an eight-team Puerto Rico Tip-Off Classic (Nov. 17-20), a road contest at Wisconsin (Dec. 3), a matchup against Wichita State at Oklahoma City's Chesapeake Energy Arena (Dec. 10), a home game vs. Memphis (Dec. 17), a contest versus Auburn (Dec. 21) in Uncasville, Conn., and a home game against Florida in the 2017 SEC/Big 12 Challenge (Jan. 28).

"We have a lot of guys stepping into new roles next season, so lining up against some great teams in the non-conference will prepare us well for Big 12 play."
Lon Kruger

“Once again, a really challenging non-conference schedule, which I think will be very beneficial for our young club,” said Kruger, who will enter his sixth year with the Sooners. “We have a lot of guys stepping into new roles next season, so lining up against some great teams in the non-conference will prepare us well for Big 12 play. As always, we look forward to sharing these great opportunities with our fans, who will no doubt help play a huge role for us again next year at the Lloyd Noble Center.”

The Sooners open their 2016-17 slate with a lone exhibition game against NCAA Division II member Washburn (15-13 last year) on Tuesday, Nov. 8, inside Lloyd Noble Center.

OU commences the regular season at home versus Northwestern State (8-20) on Sunday, Nov. 13, before traveling to Puerto Rico for the 2016 Puerto Rico Tip-Off, held Nov. 17-20. The field includes Arizona State (15-17), Clemson (17-14), Davidson (20-13), Missouri (10-21), Northern Iowa (23-13; NCAA round of 32), Tulane (12-22) and Xavier (28-6; NCAA round of 32).

“The three-game tournaments provide many opportunities for our team to spend time together on the road,” Kruger said. “Everyone is able to get to know each other a little better. Obviously, three tough games in a four-day span help prepare you for conference and postseason play. A lot of benefits on and off the floor.”

The Sooners return to Lloyd Noble Center for home games on Friday, Nov. 25, against Abilene Christian (13-18) and Tuesday, Nov. 29, versus Northern Colorado (10-21). Oklahoma will then experience its first true road contest of the season at Wisconsin (22-13; NCAA Sweet 16) on Saturday, Dec. 3.

After a home game against in-state foe Oral Roberts (14-17) on Wednesday, Dec. 7, Oklahoma will host Wichita State (26-9; NCAA round of 32) on Saturday, Dec. 10, inside Oklahoma City's Chesapeake Energy Arena. Tickets to the OKC event will be part of OU's 2016-17 season ticket package (also includes student season tickets).

OU concludes another home-and-home series by hosting Memphis (19-15) on Saturday, Dec. 17. The Sooners will then travel to Uncasville, Conn., to take on Auburn (11-20) on Wednesday, Dec. 21.

The Sooners close non-conference play on Saturday, Jan. 28, at home versus Florida (21-15) as part of the SEC/Big 12 Challenge. It will mark the second-ever matchup between the two schools. The lone meeting came during the 1995-96 season, when then-head coach Lon Kruger led Florida to a 76-72 overtime win over Oklahoma in the All-College Tournament in Oklahoma City. OU is 3-0 all-time in the Big 12/SEC Challenge.

Season tickets for 2016-17 OU men's basketball start at just $160 per seat. For more ticket information or to reserve your season ticket with a $50 deposit, contact the OU Athletics Ticket Office by phone at (800) 456-4668 or by clicking here.

OU's 2017 Big 12 Conference schedule is expected to be announced in late July.

2016-17 OU Men's Basketball Non-Conference Schedule (all times Central)
Date	Opponent	Site	Time	TV
Nov. 8	Washburn (Ex.)	Norman	7 p.m.	TBD
Nov. 13	Northwestern State	Norman	2 p.m.	TBD
Nov. 17	vs. TBA#	Puerto Rico	TBD	TBD
Nov. 18	vs. TBA#	Puerto Rico	TBD	TBD
Nov. 20	vs. TBA#	Puerto Rico	TBD	TBD
Nov. 25	Abilene Christian	Norman	2 p.m.	TBD
Nov. 29	Northern Colorado	Norman	7 p.m.	TBD
Dec. 3	Wisconsin	Madison, Wis.	TBD	TBD
Dec. 7	Oral Roberts	Norman	7 p.m.	TBD
Dec. 10	Wichita State	Oklahoma City	TBD	TBD
Dec. 17	Memphis	Norman	11:30 a.m.	CBS
Dec. 21	Auburn	Uncasville, Conn.	TBD	TBD
Jan. 28	Florida%	Norman	TBD	TBD

# Puerto Rico Tip-Off (field also includes Arizona State, Clemson, Davidson, Missouri, Northern Iowa, Tulane, Xavier)

% 2017 SEC/Big 12 Challenge

University of Oklahoma Athletics

MBB Announces 2016-17 Non-Conference Slate

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