Purdue unveils non-conference schedule

WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. (WLFI) - The Purdue men's basketball team released their non-conference schedule on Friday for the upcoming 2012-2013 season.

A 10-game home slate, a spot in one of the nation’s premier early-season tournaments and the second edition of the Crossroads Classic headline the 2012-13 Purdue men’s basketball non-conference schedule.

Of the known or potential opponents on the Boilermakers’ schedule, six advanced to postseason play a year ago, including five NCAA Tournament participants. Six of Purdue’s known or potential non-conference opponents won at least 20 games last season.

“One of the principles of scheduling is that you schedule for the team you have each particular year,” Purdue head coach Matt Painter said. “This year, we have a relatively young team and the non-conference season will be important for us. This schedule has several challenges and will help us figure out who we are heading into Big Ten play.”

The Boilers will open the campaign as part of the prestigious 2K Sports Classic which helps the Wounded Warrior Project, playing twice at home before joining Alabama, Oregon State and Villanova in New York for two games at Madison Square Garden.

Purdue will play its first two games of the tournament at Mackey Arena on Nov. 9 and 11 against teams yet to be determined.

The Boilermakers will square off with Villanova at the Garden on Nov. 15 and meet either Alabama or Oregon State, depending on the results of the semifinal games, the following night.

The Old Gold & Black will play host to UNC Wilmington on Nov. 21 before taking on Clemson on Nov. 28 in search of a fourth-consecutive win in the ACC/Big Ten Challenge presented by Dick’s Sporting Goods. The Boilermakers and Tigers will meet at 7:15 pm ET.

The Boilers will play at home on Dec. 1 and Dec. 4, welcoming Xavier and Lamar, respectively, to Keady Court. On Dec. 8, Purdue will visit Eastern Michigan in a return in a return date from last season’s meeting in West Lafayette.

A 20-20 series tie will be broken on Dec. 15 when Purdue and Notre Dame tangle as part of the second edition of the Crossroads Classic at Bankers Life Fieldhouse in Indianapolis.

Prior to the start of Big Ten play, the Boilermakers will play at home against Ball State on Dec. 18 and William & Mary on Dec. 29.

Purdue will wait until January to put the finishing touches on its 2012-13 non-conference schedule, as the Boilermakers will host 2012 NCAA Tournament participant West Virginia on Jan. 19.

Prior to the start of the regular season, Purdue will play two exhibition games, facing Montevallo on Oct. 30 and Newberry on Nov. 3.