The Arizona men's basketball team, under the guidance of Tommy Lloyd, is set to face formidable opponents in the upcoming 2025-26 non-conference schedule. With matchups against UCLA and Alabama already announced, these games highlight Lloyd's commitment to challenging his team against top-tier competition. The clash with UCLA on November 14 at the Intuit Dome could mark the season's first encounter with a power conference rival for both teams. Additionally, the December 13 game against Alabama will take place in Birmingham, continuing a neutral-court rivalry series. These games reflect a strategic scheduling approach that emphasizes maintaining traditional rivalries while providing opportunities for high-quality competition.
On November 14, the Wildcats are scheduled to meet their storied adversary, UCLA, at the Intuit Dome in Inglewood. This venue, home to the Los Angeles Clippers, sets the stage for what may be one of the earliest significant matchups of the season. This contest forms part of an ongoing agreement between the two universities to preserve a historic Pac-12 rivalry amidst conference realignment. Last year's narrowly contested match ended in a three-point loss for Arizona at Phoenix's Footprint Center, making this rematch highly anticipated.
In December, Arizona shifts its focus to Alabama, where they will engage in a neutral-site showdown on the 13th. Although the exact location remains undetermined, potential venues include Legacy Arena or Bartow Arena. This meeting continues a series initiated during the previous season, where Arizona emerged victorious by seven points at the same Phoenix venue. Such neutral-court arrangements enhance the likelihood of securing Quad 1 wins for both teams, contingent upon their respective NET rankings.
Beyond these engagements, the Wildcats have also committed to a December 6 matchup against Auburn, another powerhouse from Alabama. This encounter precedes a reciprocal visit to Auburn later in the season, as announced earlier this year. Furthermore, discussions regarding a home-and-home series with UConn, a recent national championship contender, remain ongoing but unconfirmed. Unlike last season, when Arizona participated in the Battle 4 Atlantis tournament, no multi-team events are planned for the upcoming campaign.
A look ahead reveals a robust slate of games designed to test the Wildcats' mettle. By engaging with elite programs like UCLA, Alabama, and Auburn, Arizona aims to elevate its competitive edge and prepare for conference play. These fixtures underscore Tommy Lloyd's dedication to crafting a challenging non-conference schedule that balances tradition with innovation, ensuring fans anticipate each game with excitement and anticipation.