FLAGSTAFF, Ariz. – Head Coach Jack Murphy and the Northern Arizona men's basketball team have once again built up a tough slate, as they have released their 2017-18 schedule. The Lumberjacks' schedule includes 10 opponents that participated in a postseason tournament last season.

"We are excited about our schedule," said Murphy. "It begins with some great challenges and prepares us well for our league season. Playing both Arizona and Arizona State gives us a great opportunity to play in front of our alumni in their backyard." 

NAU will tip off the season on the road at the University of Arizona on Nov. 10. The Lumberjacks' first home game will be on Nov. 13 when they host Embry Riddle.

NAU's next set of games are all a part of an invitational. The Lumberjacks will play at Arizona State (Nov. 17) and Kansas State (Nov. 20). NAU will then compete on site at the Orleans Arena for the final part of the Las Vegas Invitational. On Nov. 23, NAU will face Hampton, followed by a game versus either Rider or UC Irvine on the 24^th.

The next two road games will be in California, as NAU plays at Santa Clara (Nov. 30) and CSU Bakersfield (Dec. 2). The team will host San Diego Christian on Dec. 6, before heading to San Diego for a game on Dec. 9. NAU's final non-conference home game will be on Dec. 14 versus South Dakota.

A trip to Florida will conclude NAU's non-conference slate. The Lumberjacks will compete at South Florida on Dec. 18, and then two days later play at Jacksonville on Dec. 20.

NAU has nine Big Sky home games this season. Conference play will begin with Montana (Dec. 28) and Montana State (Dec. 30) visiting the Walkup Skydome to close out 2017. The Lumberjacks will host Eastern Washington (Jan. 18) and Idaho (Jan. 20), before playing five games at home in February with Idaho State (Feb. 1), Weber State (Feb. 3), Southern Utah (Feb. 10), Sacramento State (Feb. 22), and Portland State (Feb. 24).

The nine league road trips for NAU will be Weber State (Jan. 4), Idaho State (Jan. 6), Southern Utah (Jan. 13), Montana State (Jan. 25), Montana (Jan. 27), Northern Colorado (Feb. 15), North Dakota (Feb. 17), Idaho (Mar. 1), and Eastern Washington (Mar. 3).

The Big Sky Championships will once again be held in Reno, Nev. at the Reno Events Center from March 6-10.