BYU announces 2016-17 schedule

PROVO, Utah – In conjunction with the announcement of the West Coast Conference schedule, BYU basketball released its 2016-17 schedule today.

The nonconference schedule is highlighted by three in-state games, a home game with a Pac-12 opponent, two neutral games with Pac-12 and Big Ten schools and a tournament in Las Vegas.

“We’re pleased with the nonconference schedule we’ve put together,” BYU coach Dave Rose said. “We look forward to the challenges that will help prepare us for league play. Our team is really excited for the season.”

The season opens on Friday, Nov. 11, with BYU-Hawaii. The Cougars remain home for a pair of games against Coppin State (Nov. 17) and Coastal Carolina (Nov. 19) before heading to Las Vegas for the MGM Grand Main Event. BYU will face Saint Louis in the first game on Nov. 21 and play either Alabama or Valparaiso in the second game on Nov. 23.

Following the Main Event, the Cougars will play a pair of in-state games against Utah Valley at home (Nov. 26) and Utah State at the Vivint Smart Home Arena (Nov. 30). 

The December slate starts with a trip to Los Angeles to play USC in the Basketball Hall of Fame's 2016 Hoophall LA at the Staples Center on the third. The Cougars host Weber State (Dec. 7) and Colorado (Dec. 10) before a matchup with Illinois in the Inaugural State Farm Chicago Legends at the United Center on Dec. 17. The nonconference schedule ends with home games with Idaho State (Dec. 20) and Cal-State Bakersfield (Dec. 22).

BYU’s first week of WCC action includes a home game against Santa Clara on Dec. 29 and a road contest at Loyola Marymount on Dec. 31. The Cougars’ matchups with Saint Mary’s are Jan. 5 in Moraga, California, and Feb. 18 in Provo. BYU’s first game with Gonzaga will be Feb. 2 in Provo and the Cougars will end the regular season in Spokane on Feb. 25.

The preseason schedule includes the annual Cougar Tipoff on Wednesday, Oct. 26, and a pair of exhibitions with Seattle Pacific (Oct. 29) and Westminster (Nov. 3). Game times and broadcast plans will be announced at a later date.

Visit WCCsports.com for the complete WCC league schedule.