A deeper look at Auburn basketball’s 2023-24 nonconference schedule
Auburn basketball is gearing up for one of its toughest schedules in recent memory.
Auburn’s nonconference schedule has been released, and it features several high-quality matchups against NCAA Tournament teams. The Tigers will play very few true road contests this season, but its neutral site slate is worth talking about. Auburn will face the likes of Notre Dame, Indiana, and Baylor on a neutral floor. For fans that enjoy traveling to watch the Tigers play on the road, this season is filled with many great opportunities.
In honor of the nonconference schedule being released, here’s a breakdown of what each team on Auburn’s schedule brings to the table this season.
Nov. 1 vs. Auburn-Montgomery
The first chance for fans to see their favorite team live will be on Wednesday, Nov. 1 at Neville Arena when Auburn hosts AUM for a scrimmage contest. The Warhawks finished 15-14 last season and were eliminated in the opening round of the Gulf South Conference tournament.
Nov. 7 vs. Baylor (Sioux Falls, South Dakota)
The Tigers will open the season against the Baylor Bears at Sanford Pentagon in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. The 2021 national champions finished 23-11 and advanced to the second round of the NCAA Tournament last season before falling to Creighton, 85-76.
Nov. 10 vs. Southeastern Louisiana
Auburn welcomes Southeastern Louisiana to Neville Arena for the home opener on Friday, Nov. 10. The Lions boasted an 18-12 mark last season, and finished the Southland Conference slate with a 12-6 record.
Nov. 16 vs. Notre Dame (Brooklyn, New York)
Auburn will compete in the 2023 Legends Classic at Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York, and will draw the Notre Dame Fighting Irish as its first opponent. Notre Dame struggled last season by finishing 11-21, 3-17 in ACC play. The Fighting Irish are now led by former Penn State head coach Micah Shrewsberry, so expect them to be more motivated heading into the season.
For more Notre Dame news, visit Fighting Irish Wire.
Nov. 17 vs. Oklahoma State/St. Bonaventure (Brooklyn, New York)
Day two of the Legends Classic will feature either Oklahoma State or St. Bonaventure. Oklahoma State finished with a 20-16 record last season while St. Bonaventure ended last season at 14-18.
Nov. 21 vs. Alabama A&M
Auburn will welcome Alabama A&M to Neville Arena for a tune-up game to kickoff a two-game homestand. The Bulldogs ended with a 15-18 record last season but had a favorable SWAC record at 10-8.
Nov. 29 vs. Virginia Tech (ACC/SEC Challenge)
The inaugural ACC/SEC Challenge will feature a matchup between Auburn and Virginia Tech at Neville Arena. The Hokies could not match their 2022 feat of winning the ACC Tournament last season, but still managed to end with a 19-15 record and an appearance in the NIT.
Dec. 3 at Appalachian State
A three-game road trip kicks off on Dec. 3 with a true road game at Appalachian State. The Mountaineers finished .500 across the board last season with a 16-16 overall record, and went 9-9 in Sun Belt play.
Dec. 9 vs. Indiana (Atlanta)
Auburn has become a regular at Holiday Hoopsgiving at State Farm Arena in Atlanta, as this will mark the fourth-straight season in which they have competed. The Tigers are 2-1 in this event, and the 2023 edition will be their toughest yet. Indiana ended last season with a 21-14 record last season and will be sure to provide a test for Auburn.
Dec. 13 vs. UNC-Asheville (Huntsville)
Auburn plays its second straight NCAA Tournament team in UNC-Asheville on Dec. 13. The Bulldogs took home the Big South crown last season by posting a 16-2 record in conference play. Their season ultimately ended in the first round of the NCAA Tournament at the hands of UCLA.
This game will also mark the first time since 2003 that Auburn has played a game at Huntsville’s Von Braun Center.
Dec. 17 vs. USC
Auburn will have revenge on its mind when USC comes to town in December. Auburn traveled to Los Angeles last season and came away with a 74-71 loss to the Trojans. This season, USC travels to the Plains. Bronny James, the son of NBA star Lebron James, is a part of the Trojans roster this season, but it is unclear at this time if he will play against Auburn due to a recent cardiac arrest episode.
For more USC news, check out Trojans Wire.
Dec. 22 vs. Alabama State
The final nonconference game before Christmas will take place at Neville Arena against an in-state foe. The 2022-23 season was not kind to Alabama State, as they ended with an 8-23 record.
Dec. 30 vs. Chattanooga
The Tigers return from a quick Christmas break to face Chattanooga to close out the 2023 calendar year. The Mocs ended last season with an 18-17 record but clawed their way to the Southern Conference championship game before falling to Furman.
Jan. 2 vs. Penn
The final nonconference game of the season will be against the Penn Quakers of the Ivy League. The Quakers finished with a respectable 17-13 record last season, and dipped out in the first round of the Ivy League Championship game, losing to Princeton.
