Sports

Alabama Basketball Finalizes Strong Non-Conference Slate

The Crimson Tide's schedule is highlighted by a Nov. 13 home matchup with preseason No. 1 Purdue.

(UA Athletics/Crimson Tide Photos)

TUSCALOOSA, AL — Alabama men’s basketball will open its 2025-26 season Nov. 3 against North Dakota at Coleman Coliseum as part of a non-conference slate that features seven NCAA Tournament teams from last year.


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The Crimson Tide’s schedule is highlighted by a Nov. 13 home matchup with preseason No. 1 Purdue.

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Alabama will also travel to Las Vegas, New York and Chicago within the first month of the season to face Gonzaga, Illinois and St. John’s — all NCAA Tournament participants.

Coach Nate Oats’ team will also play six neutral-site contests, including in-state games against Arizona in Birmingham on Dec. 13 and Kennesaw State in Huntsville on Dec. 21.

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The Tide will then appear in the Players Era Festival in Las Vegas during Thanksgiving week, drawing Gonzaga and UNLV.

Five of Alabama’s opponents appear in ESPN’s Way-Too-Early Top 25: Purdue, St. John’s, Arizona, Illinois and Gonzaga.

The Tide are also set to face three reigning conference champions and three teams coached by Oats’ former assistants: Austin Claunch (UTSA), Bryan Hodgson (South Florida) and Antoine Pettway (Kennesaw State).

Alabama will play two exhibitions before the season begins, with an Oct. 16 matchup against Florida State in Birmingham and Oct. 26 at Furman.

Tip times and television information will be announced later.


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