BYU Basketball Releases 2018-2019 Non-Conference Schedule

Four ‘quadrant 1’ games highlight BYU Basketball’s nonconference schedule that was released Thursday morning. Fans knew that the Cougars would be taking on teams like tournament-appearers Nevada, Houston, and San Diego State, but now they know when.

After Cougar Tipoff and a pair of exhibition games, BYU will open the season in Reno against the formidable Wolfpack of Nevada on Nov. 6. Then the Cougars return to Provo for six games in a row, including one against Houston on Nov. 24 — that’s Dave Rose’s alma mater, and a team that made a good showing in last year’s NCAA tournament. Illinois State is another interesting name on the schedule. BYU and Illinois State played in the Marriott Center last year and the Cougars won 80-68. Will they fare as well at Redbird Arena on Nov. 28?

A game against LDS Head Coach Barret Peery and his Portland State Vikings on Dec. 12 will be fans’ last chance to see the Cougars at the Marriott Center in nonconference play before they hit the road for the last three games.

Also notable about the schedule being released? We know when Nick Emery will return (after his nine game suspension) — Against in-state foe Utah State on Dec. 5 at the Marriott Center. That means the Cougars will be without him against most of the aforementioned notables, but that he will be available against teams like Utah (the rivalry matchup will be played on a ‘neutral court’ at Vivint SmartHome Arena on Dec. 8 as part of the Beehive Classic), UNLV, San Diego State, and Mississippi State (those three games round out the schedule).

If you ask us, the schedule shaped up pretty well. What are your thoughts? Should the Cougars handle it well, will it be enough to get them back to the Big Dance? What games are you most or least looking forward to? Leave thoughts in the comments.