UWM's non-conference basketball schedule includes two NCAA Tournament teams

The UW-Milwaukee men’s basketball team will play at Wisconsin and Kansas and in the Bahamas as part of an ambitious non-conference schedule announced Wednesday.

The Panthers open Oct. 31 with an exhibition against Cardinal Stritch Oct. 31 at the on-campus Klotsche Center and the regular season Nov. 5 against Concordia at the UWM Panther Arena. Milwaukee is scheduled to play Rice in the opening round of "The Islands of the Bahamas Showcase" on Nov. 22. The team will play three games in three days in the event.

But the biggest tests will come against NCAA Tournament teams, Dec. 10 at Kansas and Dec. 21 at Wisconsin.

The Jayhawks have sold out 291 straight home games and went 17-0 there  last year. The Badgers lead the all-time series with the Panthers, 31-2.

"Our schedule presents a challenge that will test us immediately against very good non-conference opponents prior to our Horizon League conference slate," coach Pat Baldwin said. "I am really excited about the number of home games early in the schedule, which will allow our students and fans to see our players in action."

Game times and television broadcast information are to be announced.

Oct. 31: Cardinal Stritch, Klotsche Center

Nov. 5: Concordia

Nov. 9: Western Michigan

Nov. 12: Wisconsin Lutheran

Nov. 15: Kansas City

Nov. 19: North Dakota

Nov. 22: Rice, Nassau, Bahamas

Nov. 23: Liberty or Morgan State, Nassau, Bahamas

Nov. 24: TBA, Nassau, Bahamas

Dec. 3: at Drake

Dec. 10: at Kansas

Dec. 14: Eastern Illinois

Dec. 21: at Wisconsin