LSU basketball finalizes 2018-19 non-conference schedule

LSU basketball’s 2018-19 non-conference schedule is finalized, highlighted by trips to Las Vegas and Orlando, where a potential showdown with the defending national champs could be in the cards.

The Tigers will play at least six teams that won 21+ games a season ago, with four matchups against in-state foes and two matchups with AAC opponents.

A Dec. 15 trip to Sin City for a neutral site contest with St. Mary’s is the marquee matchup certain to take place. That contest will be part of a double-header – completed by BYU vs. UNLV – in the MGM Resorts Showcase.

Will Wade will take his team to Orlando for Thanksgiving as part of the AdvoCare Invitational, whose field includes Villanova, the reigning champs of college basketball, as well as Florida State, Oklahoma State, and others.

“We are very happy to have completed our non-conference schedule for the 2018-19 season,” Wade said in a statement. “With the records and performance last year of the teams we will face this season, we are confident that this schedule will allow us the opportunity to mold and shape our team prior to the start of the Southeastern Conference schedule.

“We want all Tiger fans to be involved with our program again this year and to purchase their tickets now starting with these very important non-conference contests.”

LSU travels to Houston to complete a home-and-home with the Cougars, who were a shot away from beating defending national runners up Michigan in the NCAA Tournament. The Tigers also host Memphis, led by first-year head coach Penny Hardaway and a top-25 recruiting class with three top-150 players.

LSU also faces Louisiana Tech, Grambling, Southeastern, and ULM at home.