Post by una04 on Aug 28, 2018 16:10:28 GMT -6
roarlions.com/schedule.aspx?path=mbball
UNA RELEASES 2018-19 MEN’S BASKETBALL SCHEDULE
Aug. 28, 2018 Men's Basketball
FLORENCE – Road games at perennial power Division I programs, a home-and-home series against in-state rival Jacksonville State and an inaugural run in the ASUN Conference highlight the University of North Alabama's 2018-19 men's basketball schedule. UNA has released its first NCAA men's basketball Division I schedule, featuring 12 home games this season.
"We are extremely excited about the upcoming season and the transition into Division I basketball," said UNA head coach Tony Pujol. "Our non-conference schedule is very challenging, but we believe it will prepare us for life in the ASUN Conference."
The Lions will open the season on Tuesday, Nov. 6, at Samford. It will be the 28th meeting between the two programs, but the first since 1975. Four days later, UNA will host Blue Mountain in its home opener on Saturday afternoon. Tip-off is set for 3 p.m. at Flowers Hall.
North Alabama's 2018-19 road contests feature some of the top men's basketball programs in the country. The Lions will travel to St. Louis, Pittsburg, Troy and Toledo in November alone. On Saturday, Dec. 1, Jacksonville State will visit Flowers Hall, representing the first home Division I game for the Lions and rekindling a rivalry that dates back to 1950. It will be the first meeting between the Lions and Gamecocks since the 1993 season.
The remainder of December will feature one home game and six road contests. After playing at UAB on Dec. 4, UNA will host Huntingdon at 11 a.m. on Dec. 13. The Lions will close out the month with road games at UNC-Greensboro, Jacksonville State, Virginia Military, Gonzaga and Eastern Illinois.
Gonzaga advanced to the Sweet 16 last season and was the 2017 NCAA Tournament runner-up. The Zags will host UNA on Friday, Dec. 28.
The arrival of January marks the beginning of ASUN play. The Lions will play home-and-home series against all nine conference members with the top eight teams advancing to the league tournament beginning March 4. Although not eligible to participate in the NCAA Tournament play for four years, UNA can compete for an ASUN tournament title.
"This is an exciting time for UNA Basketball," added Pujol. "The players, coaches and staff are all looking forward to getting things started."
