Alabama Basketball: Tide release 2018-19 non-conference schedule

(Bobby McDuffie/Icon Sportswire)

Alabama has officially released its non-conference schedule for the 2018-19 season.

The Crimson Tide, who finished in the top-10 nationally last year in strength of schedule, once again have a challenging slate that should test them prior to SEC play.

Avery Johnson’s team will start off the season with back-to-back home games against Southern and Appalachian State before heading to the Charleston Classic on Nov. 15.

The Tide will tip off against Northeastern in Charleston, with Virginia Tech or Ball State awaiting in the next round.

Reigning OVC champion Murray State will head to Tuscaloosa on Nov. 26, and Alabama will turn around three days later and play at UCF.

The rest of the non-conference schedule includes home games against Georgia State, Arizona, and Penn State, and road games against Stephen F. Austin and Baylor.

Alabama will also play Liberty in the Rocket City Classic in Huntsville.

The Tide are coming off a 20-16 season and earned an NCAA Tournament berth for the first time since 2012.