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UCLA Basketball opens against Creighton in Hall of Fame Classic

By Mike Regalado

LOS ANGELES, CA - DECEMBER 03: Head coach Steve Alford of the UCLA Bruins directs his team during the second half against the Kentucky Wildcats at Pauley Pavilion on December 3, 2015 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)
LOS ANGELES, CA - DECEMBER 03: Head coach Steve Alford of the UCLA Bruins directs his team during the second half against the Kentucky Wildcats at Pauley Pavilion on December 3, 2015 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images) /
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The UCLA Basketball team will be facing Creighton in the opening round of the Hall of Fame Classic, which also includes Baylor and Wisconsin.

Ever since Steve Alford has taken over the UCLA Basketball program, he has tried to set the Bruins up against some tough competition in the non-conference season. He wanted to limit the number of cupcakes UCLA would snack on and bring in some meatier competition that the Bruins can feast on.

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Alford made sure UCLA continued that trend this coming season as they play Georgia Tech (in Shanghai), at Michigan, vs Cincinnati and against Kentucky in the CBS Sports Classic in New Orleans.

The Bruins also have a big challenge facing them when they embark for the 2-game Hall of Fame Classic which will take place in Kansas City, MO on Monday, November 20 and Tuesday, November 21.

Today, it was announced that the Bruins will take on Creighton in the opening round of the tournament.

That game will be begin at 4 p.m. PT, followed by the Baylor vs. Wisconsin at 6:30 p.m. The first game will be televised on ESPNU, while the later game will be on ESPN2.

The loser of each game will then play on November 21 at 4:30 p.m. and will be televised on ESPN3. The winners will play in the Championship Game at 7:00 p.m. and will be on ESPN2.

Talk about a tough slate.

Last season, Creighton went 25-10, but lost in the first round of the NCAA Tournament. UCLA fans might be slightly familiar with Creighton as it was the landing spot for freshman transfer, Kobe Paras. Unfortunately UCLA will not face Paras as he is no longer with Creighton and has again transferred, this time to Cal State Northridge.

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Wisconsin finished third in the B1G Conference with an overall record of 27-10, with a final stop in the Sweet 16. Baylor also finished third in their conference (Big XII) and had an overall record of 27-8 and also ended their season in the Sweet 16.