What to know about Colorado State men's basketball's loaded nonconference schedule
This is a schedule built to help earn an at-large NCAA Tournament bid.
That's the main takeaway from the Colorado State men's basketball's 2023-24 nonconference schedule.
The lineup is heavy on high-major and high-level mid-major games.
“This is one of, if not the most challenging nonconference schedules that we have put together. We always strive to schedule in a way that prepares us for the Mountain West and gives us an opportunity to play in the postseason," coach Niko Medved said in a news release. "Our coaches and players understand the challenge and we are always excited to compete against the best.”
Here's a look at what to know about CSU's 2023 nonconference slate, which was announced by the program Tuesday. The Mountain West schedule has not yet been released.
Big home games include CU, St. Mary's
Two home games jump out: Nov. 29 against Colorado and Dec. 9 against Saint Mary's.
The CU game needs no introduction as the rivals meet once again, with the Rams now with former Buff Nique Clifford on the CSU roster. Both teams could be contenders to make the NCAA Tournament.
Saint Mary's is an annual Big Dance participant and was a No. 5 seed a year ago, despite CSU topping the Gaels on the road.
CU and Saint Mary's could both be top 25 teams in the preseason rankings.
Louisiana Tech is another solid mid-major and an intriguing first game on Nov. 6. Wright State (Nov. 10) is another sneaky-good program.
Neutral site games include Boston College, Washington
Neutral site games have become commonplace as a place for two programs to meet for battles that boost NET rankings. It's hard to get true home-and-road series, but neutral sites tend to serve both teams well.
CSU's nonconference multiteam event is in Kansas City, where the Rams will face Boston College Nov. 22 for a chance to beat a high-major (ACC) team. If CSU wins that game, it would likely set up a huge showdown Nov. 23 against Creighton.
Creighton made the Elite Eight a year ago and is likely a top-10 team again this season. It would be a top-level matchup for CSU if it happens. Loyola-Chicago is the other team in the tournament.
The Rams also play Washington from the Pac-12 on Dec. 2 in Las Vegas for another chance at a high-major win.
Only two nonconference road games on CSU's slate
CSU only plays two road games in nonconference play. One is Nov. 14 at Northern Colorado as the Rams will look for payback after UNC won at Moby last season. CSU also plays at Loyola-Marymount on Dec. 22.
Full CSU men's basketball nonconference schedule
All tip-offs listed in Mountain time.
Nov. 6: Louisiana Tech at CSU, 8 p.m.
Nov. 10: Wright State at CSU, 7 p.m.
Nov. 14: CSU at Northern Colorado, 6 p.m.
Nov. 17: Kansas City at CSU, 7 p.m.
Nov. 22: CSU vs. Boston College (in Kansas City), 11:30 a.m.
Nov. 23: CSU vs. Creighton/Loyola-Chicago (in Kansas City), 11:30 a.m. or 3 p.m.
Nov. 29: Colorado at CSU, 7 p.m.
Dec. 2: CSU vs. Washington (in Las Vegas), TBA
Dec. 6: Denver at CSU, 7 p.m.
Dec. 9: Saint Mary's at CSU, 4 p.m.
Dec. 17, Adams State at CSU, 4 p.m.
Dec. 22: CSU at LMU, 8 p.m.
Follow sports reporter Kevin Lytle on Twitter and Instagram @Kevin_Lytle.
This article originally appeared on Fort Collins Coloradoan: What to know about Colorado State men's basketball 2023 nonconference schedule
