SIOUX FALLS, S.D. – Augustana men's basketball head coach Tom Billeter is pleased to announce the programs 2018-2019 men's basketball schedule. The 28-game schedule features 16 games played in Sioux Falls, highlighted by the first-ever East vs. West Challenge.

Billeter is excited about this year's slate and the chance to play some tough teams from all over the country. "I love this years schedule, Billeter said. "It gives our team the opportunity to be challenged by some strong regional programs, as well as compete towards a title with an always difficult conference schedule." The Vikings will officially start practice on Oct. 15.

Following an exhibition with Loras (IA) college on Nov. 1st at the Elmen Center, the 2018-19 season tips off at the Northern Sun Conference/Great American Conference challenge, which squares up Augustana and the University of Mary with Southern Arkansas and Henderson State (Ark.). The two-day round-robin will run Nov. 9-10, and will take place at Cedar Valley Community College in Lancaster, Texas. The Vikings officially get their season underway vs. Southern Arkansas at 3 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 9th. Augustana will take on Henderson State the following day (Sat.) at 12 p.m. in Lancaster.

One of the highlights of the 2018-2019 slate will be the first ever East vs. West challenge. The two-day college basketball showcase will take place Nov. 16-17 at the Sanford Pentagon, and matches two teams from the NSIC against two teams from the Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference. The East vs. West event will feature Augustana University, Northern State University, Black Hills State University and South Dakota School of Mines and Technology. The Vikings start the showcase with a matchup with SDSMT at 7:30 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 16th.

Following the tournament, the Vikings will stay in Sioux Falls to open up NSIC action, which will all take place as men's and women's double-headers. Augustana will tip off league play by welcoming in Wayne State Dec. 1st, before heading on the road for a weekend set (Dec. 7-8) vs. Winona State and Upper Iowa.  The Vikings will then start a three-game homestand with Minnesota Crookston, Bemidji State and non-conference foe, Peru State (NE).

The Vikings then hit the road for a three-game conference road trip, including trips to Wayne State (Dec. 30), Southwest Minnesota State, and then a matchup with crosstown rival Sioux Falls (Jan. 5).

Moving through January, the Vikings will take on Northern State and Moorhead on the road, before returning home for a homestand with Concordia-St. Paul and Minnesota State. Augustana men's basketball will start February at Minot State and U-Mary (Feb. 1-2), but will play four conference home games throughout the month of February.

All conference games will be played at the Sioux Falls area, except for the final homestand of the year. Augustana will welcome in Sioux Falls and Southwest Minnesota State to the Elmen center Feb. 22 and 23rd. Postseason play begins Feb. 27 with the NSIC tournament. The opening round is played the home court of the higher seeds.

Season tickets are also now on sale for the 2018-19 basketball season.  Season tickets include tickets to all home, regular season men's & women's matchups in Sioux Falls Arena and the Elmen Center.  Tickets start at only $99 for a season-long general admission ticket. Tickets with reserved seating options for games at Sioux Falls Arena are $120 (upper level) and $150 (lower level).  

To purchase season tickets, contact Jon Eng (605.274.5236 or email jon.eng@augie.edu). Fans can also support student-athletes and get the best available seats by joining the A-Club, where basketball season tickets are included in certain membership levels.  For more information on the A-Club, click here.