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UCLA Basketball: Breaking down 2023-24 non-conference schedule

By Holden Walter-Warner

Mar 23, 2023; Las Vegas, NV, USA; The UCLA Bruins bench reacts after guard Amari Bailey (not pictured) made a three point basket against the Gonzaga Bulldogs late in the second half at T-Mobile Arena. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 23, 2023; Las Vegas, NV, USA; The UCLA Bruins bench reacts after guard Amari Bailey (not pictured) made a three point basket against the Gonzaga Bulldogs late in the second half at T-Mobile Arena. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports /
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Adem Bona #3 of the UCLA Bruins handles the ball against Caelum Swanton-Rodger #35 of the Maryland Terrapins at (Photo by G Fiume/Getty Images)
Adem Bona #3 of the UCLA Bruins handles the ball against Caelum Swanton-Rodger #35 of the Maryland Terrapins at (Photo by G Fiume/Getty Images) /

Regular Season Games

These are the “normal” regular season in UCLA’s schedule. In-season tournaments, named rivalry games, and challenges are excluded from this section.

November 6 vs. Saint Francis

Like most major programs, UCLA is starting the season with a relative cupcake in Saint Francis University. The team finished in the top half of the Northeast Conference last year, but that obscured a losing record overall. The good news is we no longer have to put “PA” after Saint Francis, as Saint Francis (BK) has eliminated its college athletics altogether. Sigh.

November 10 vs. Lafayette

Lafayette is the second of three straight opponents trekking from the East Coast to take on the Bruins at Pauley Pavilion. After serving as the acting coach for five games following a complaint made against Mike Jordan, Mike McGarvey was named to the full-time job in March, his first head coaching gig at the D1 level. The Leopards should be as competitive as any non-Colgate team in the Patriot League, but shouldn’t scare UCLA much.

November 15 vs. Long Island University

Long Island University brings an end to the homecoming stretch to start the year for UCLA. The Sharks were horrific last year, winning three games all season – two of those were against non-D1 opponents. They’ll probably be bad again this year, though there’s nowhere to go but up. One-time NBA assists leader Rod Strickland is entering his second year as head coach of the program.

November 30 vs. UC Riverside

After Maui, UCLA returns home to take on a team closer to home than its first few opponents. UC Riverside had a good year in 2022-23, finishing with 22 wins and a third-place position in the Big West. They may have been a favorite in the conference this year before Zyon Pullin transferred to Florida. Instead, the Highlanders look more like a middle-of-the-pack team in that league.

December 9 at Villanova (at Wells Fargo Center)

This should be UCLA’s toughest game in non-conference play, excluding the tournaments and special competitions. Kyle Neptune’s first season at Villanova was rough, but he should have the Wildcats in better shape this season, particularly ahead of this de facto home game for the Philadelphia school. The experience on Villanova’s roster – Eric Dixon, Justin Moore, Hakim Hart, TJ Bamba – should pose problems for the Bruins’ youth.

December 19 vs. Cal State Northridge

The Matadors of Cal State Northridge were one of the Big West’s worst teams a year ago, securing only four conference wins, resulting in the ouster of Trent Johnson. The new coach is Andy Newman, who just took Cal State San Bernardino to the D2 Final Four. CSUN should still hover around the Big West basement, though.

December 22 vs. Maryland

A home game against the Terps is an intriguing way to end non-conference play and set the stage for the rest of UCLA’s season. This will be the first time Maryland has been in Pauley Pavilion in four decades. During the first game of the home-and-home series last year, UCLA trounced Maryland in College Park, winning 87-60. With Jahmir Young returning for another year, these teams should be more evenly matched. Maryland will be eager to return the favor from last season.

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