Michigan Basketball: 2018-19 season preview for the Wolverines

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SAN ANTONIO, TX – APRIL 02: Zavier Simpson #3 of the Michigan Wolverines is defended by Donte DiVincenzo #10 of the Villanova Wildcats in the second half during the 2018 NCAA Men’s Final Four National Championship game at the Alamodome on April 2, 2018 in San Antonio, Texas. (Photo by Tom Pennington/Getty Images) /

Non-conference schedule

Nov. 6 – Norfolk State
Nov. 10 – Holy Cross
Nov. 14 – at Villanova
Nov. 17-18 – Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame Tipoff Tournament
Nov. 23 – Chattanooga
Nov. 28 – North Carolina
Dec. 8 – South Carolina
Dec. 15 – Western Michigan
Dec. 22 – Air Force
Dec. 30 – Binghampton

This non-conference slate is obviously highlighted by two huge games against preseason top-10 teams. The national title game rematch against Villanova is part of the Gavitt Games between the Big Ten and Big East and is their only true road test. Villanova is also re-tooling after losing four of their top six scorers, so the opportunity is there for the Wolverines to pick up a marquee win.

The game against North Carolina might be a little bit more difficult – but the Tar Heels do have to make the trip to Ann Arbor. Michigan suffered a 15-point loss to UNC in Chapel Hill a year ago and are looking to get revenge.

A home game against South Carolina and two games at the Hall of Fame Tipoff Tournament (where Michigan will face George Washington and then either Providence or the Gamecocks again) highlight the rest of the schedule.

Remember, Michigan’s non-conference schedule has been shortened by the Big Ten’s expanded conference schedule. They’ll play two Big Ten games – vs. Purdue and at Northwestern – in the first week of December.

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