Breaking Down UCLA's Non-Conference Basketball Schedule

UCLA’s tough non-conference slate — highlighted by Arizona and Gonzaga — projects a strong start and likely home favorites in most matchups; bettors should expect UCLA to be chalk early, eye early spreads and season-win totals for value before lines tighten.

UCLA non-conference schedule sets early expectations for 2025-26

Mick Cronin’s Bruins enter 2025-26 with heightened expectations after adding transfer guard Donovan Dent. The recently released non-conference slate mixes several tune-up home games with high-profile tests at neutral and road sites, offering a chance to build resume and national perception before conference play.

Full non-conference slate and quick previews

Eastern Washington — Monday, Nov. 3, Pauley Pavilion

UCLA opens at home against Big Sky side Eastern Washington, which finished 10-22 last season. A low-risk opener aimed at rhythm and rotation work for the Bruins.

Pepperdine — Friday, Nov. 7, Pauley Pavilion

Pepperdine, under Ed Schilling, struggled last season; historical series favors UCLA heavily. Expect UCLA to control tempo and depth.

West Georgia — Monday, Nov. 10, Pauley Pavilion

First-ever meeting with West Georgia, a program coming off a 6-24 campaign. Another opportunity for freshman and rotation players to log minutes.

Arizona — Friday, Nov. 14, Intuit Dome (Inglewood, CA)

A marquee early test against Tommy Lloyd’s Wildcats. Arizona’s upside makes this a preview of Pac-12-style high-level competition and a national résumé game.

Sacramento State — Tuesday, Nov. 18, Pauley Pavilion

The Hornets, now coached by former NBA guard Mike Bibby, present a loud environment but enter the season as an underdog. Expect UCLA to be favored.

Presbyterian — Friday, Nov. 21, Pauley Pavilion

A chance for depth evaluation against a mid-major that won’t be favored on the road at Pauley.

California — Tuesday, Nov. 25, Chase Center (San Francisco, CA)

A higher-profile neutral-site matchup against Cal that ramps up competition and provides a West Coast measuring stick.

Gonzaga — Saturday, Dec. 13, Climate Pledge Arena (Seattle, WA)

A significant road/neutral challenge against Mark Few’s Bulldogs, a team coming off strong seasons; this one could shape national perception and NCAA positioning.

Arizona State — Wednesday, Dec. 17, Pauley Pavilion

First game in a renewed home-and-home series versus former Pac-12 rival Arizona State — a traditional matchup with conference-style intensity.

Cal Poly — Friday, Dec. 19, Pauley Pavilion

A lower-tier opponent that gives starters rest and reserves a chance to shine late in the non-conference slate.

UC Riverside — Tuesday, Dec. 23, Pauley Pavilion

Season closer in the non-conference schedule against a Big West contender that finished 21-13 last year; UCLA has historical dominance here.

Key games that will define national standing

Arizona and Gonzaga stand out as true litmus tests. Wins in those games would boost UCLA’s NET profile and early tournament seeding conversations. The neutral-site clash with Cal also matters for strength-of-schedule metrics.

Betting implications and what bettors should watch

UCLA projects as favorites in most home matchups, offering limited betting value on the moneyline early but clearer opportunities on spreads and player props. High-profile games (Arizona, Gonzaga, Cal) will see significant line movement; consider getting involved before public money shifts lines. Early-season totals and season-win futures may be attractive if you anticipate a dominant non-conference stretch and Dent providing immediate offensive impact.

What this schedule means for roster development

The mix of lower-tier home games and major opponents gives Cronin flexibility to integrate newcomers and test rotations without sacrificing resume-building opportunities. Early wins at Pauley could build momentum, while the tougher neutral and road tests will reveal depth and tournament-readiness.

The Bruins released their 2025-26 non-conference schedule, and it may produce a hot start.

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