Utah Utes basketball: Utes' non-league schedule difficult

A tough non-conference schedule propelled the Utah men's basketball team to an eventual Mountain West Conference regular-season co-championship and tournament title last year. And Ute coach Jim Boylen hopes a similar schedule will help his team this upcoming season.

The Utes announced their 2009-10 non-conference schedule, which will include home games against NCAA participants Oklahoma, Michigan and Utah State as well as a road game against another NCAA team, LSU. The Utes also have the potential of playing two more NCAA tourney teams — Illinois and Oklahoma State — in the Las Vegas Invitational Nov. 27-28.

"Our philosophy from day one has been anyone, anytime, anywhere," said Boylen. "We have stayed true to our vision and goal of building a Top-25 national program by scheduling great teams from the top conferences around the country. I think this is another non-conference schedule that our fans, players and prospects can get excited about. These games will test us and prepare us to make another strong run in the Mountain West Conference."

The marquee games against Michigan and Oklahoma will be played the same week, on Dec. 9 and Dec. 12, respectively. Other home games will be played against Idaho, Southern University, Seattle, Idaho State, Illinois State and Texas-San Antonio. Besides LSU on Jan. 2, the Utes' road games will be at Weber State on Dec. 2 and at Pepperdine on Dec. 23.

The MWC schedule will be announced in the summer.

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