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Michigan Releases 14-Game Non-Conference Schedule

ANN ARBOR, Mich. -- The return of U-M legend Cazzie Russell, a trip to New York City for the 2K Classic, and the start of series with South Carolina, Texas and UCLA highlight the University of Michigan men's basketball program's 14-game non-conference schedule announced today (Wednesday, July 27) by head coach John Beilein.

Beilein and the Wolverines will open the 2016-17 season by hosting Armstrong State (Nov. 4) in the preseason's only exhibition game. Russell, entering his second season as an assistant coach with the Pirates, will returns to Crisler Center, commonly referred to as "The House That Cazzie Built." While he never played in Crisler Center during his stellar three-year college career, he returned to Ann Arbor for an exhibition game with the New York Knicks on Sept. 24, 1970, against the Detroit Pistons.

"Cazzie called and asked that we use our exhibition game to play his team, Armstrong State," said Beilein. "I said yes because it is always great when Cazzie returns to Ann Arbor. This time, however, he is with the other team. I am just glad he will not be in uniform playing against us."

As previously announced, the regular season will open with a pair of Ann Arbor Regional games against Howard (Nov. 11) and IUPUI (Nov. 13) as part of the 2K Classic benefiting the Wounded Warrior Project. Heading to New York for the fifth straight season, U-M will face Marquette (Nov. 17) in its semifinal match-up at Madison Square Garden before closing the tournament against either Pittsburgh or SMU in the consolation/championship (Nov. 18).

"It is always special to go the New York City and play in front of so many of our great fans on the East Coast," added Beilein. "Marquette, Pittsburgh and SMU are all challenging opponents. We love having this opportunity to compete for a preseason championship in Madison Square Garden."

In addition to hosting Virginia Tech (Nov. 30) in the ACC/B1G Challenge, the Wolverines will begin three marquee home-and-home series. U-M will begin two-year sets with a road trip at UCLA (Dec. 10) while hosting Texas (Dec. 6). A series with South Carolina starts in Columbia (Nov. 23) with the return date in Ann Arbor to be determined at a later date.

"We were successful in scheduling some very competitive home-and-home games for 2016," said Beilein. "These games not only guarantee a strong RPI but provide our U-M fans some exciting non-conference games in Ann Arbor. These types of opponents have always proved to be excellent preparation for our tough Big Ten schedule."
The remainder of the non-conference slate features home games against Mount St. Mary's (Nov. 26), Kennesaw State (Dec. 3), Central Arkansas (Dec. 13), Maryland Eastern Shore (Dec. 17) and Furman (Dec. 22).

U-M's 18-game Big Ten schedule will feature five home-and-home match-ups with Illinois, Indiana, Michigan State, Nebraska and Wisconsin. The remaining eight games will be split evenly with home games against Maryland, Ohio State, Penn State and Purdue and road dates at Iowa, Minnesota, Northwestern and Rutgers. Dates have not been finalized.

Season ticket renewals will be available beginning Aug. 1 either online or by calling (866) 296-6849. New season tickets are currently on sale. Ticket packs and non-conference individual game sales go on sale in mid-October, while conference individual games will be on sale in mid-November.
All times and television designations will be announced at a later date.

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