Nonconference schedules are starting to trickle out as November approaches. And MTE events are becoming the norm around college basketball. MTE events give teams the opportunity to play opponents they otherwise would not have on the schedule.
For WAC schools, MTE events create an opportunity to get a marquee win. They also give WAC schools the opportunity to increase the conference brand and notoriety. Think about New Mexico State beating Davidson in the Myrtle Beach Invitational last season. Or Utah Valley winning the SoCal Challenge. SFA made it to the title game of the Cancun Challenge before falling to Saint Louis. And it goes on and on.
With that being said. Let’s take a look each MTE that features a WAC school. Thank you to Ashley Elam of KBMT for the help is researching these.
Fort Myers Tip-Off – Nov. 17-23
Teams
Sam Houston, Georgia Tech, Marquette, Mississippi State, Utah, Long Island, Northern Illinois, South Dakota
U.S. Virgin Islands Paradise Jam – Nov. 18-21
Teams
Tarleton, Belmont, Boston College, Buffalo, Drake, George Mason, Howard, Wyoming
Jersey Mike’s Jamaica Classic – Nov. 18-20
Teams
Utah Valley, Georgetown, LaSalle, Loyola Marymount, Wake Forest, Green Bay, Morgan State, Queens
Northern Classic – Nov. 25-27
Teams
Stephen F. Austin, Middle Tennessee, New Hampshire, Quinnipiac, UC Irvine, UNC Greensboro and possibly two others
Gulf Coast Showcase – Nov. 21-23
Teams
UT-Arlington, Drexel, East Carolina, Florida Gulf Coast, Indiana St., Kansas City, Northern Kentucky, Toledo
SoCal Challenge – Date TBA
Teams
California Baptist, Minnesota, Southern Illinois, UNLV, Central Michigan, Cal St. Northridge, High Point, Tennessee State
Hall of Fame Classic – Nov. 21-22
Teams
Grand Canyon, Northern Iowa, San Francisco, Wichita State
Northshore Classic – Date TBA
Teams
Hawai’i, Sacramento State, Southern Utah, Texas State and possibly others to be announced.
Sun Bowl Invitational – Dec. 21-22 (non-exempt tournament)
Teams
UTEP, New Mexico State, Kent St., North Carolina A&T
Hawaiian Airlines Diamond Head Classic – Dec. 23-25
Teams
Seattle U, Utah State, SMU, Washington State, Pepperdine, Iona, Hawaii, George Washington
North Dakota MTE – Nov. 25-27
Teams
North Dakota, Utah Tech, Cal State Fullerton
Texas MTE – Nov. 21-26
Teams
UTRGV, Texas, Northern Arizona
McNeese MTE – Nov. 18-20
Teams
McNeese State, Lamar, Lindenwood, Western Carolina
As of today, the lone school in the WAC to not be in an MTE, per Blogging the Bracket, is ACU. But, remember, it is only July so that will most likely change. Either way, these MTE’s are a good chance for WAC schools to make an impact. There will be games against other Mid-Majors as well as Power 6 schools. It is good exposure for schools especially when they get that upset or signature win.
*WAC Schools are in bold letters.
This article will be updated as more information becomes available.Â
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