Western Kentucky’s men’s basketball team will open play in November’s Myrtle Beach Invitational with its first-ever matchup against Valparaiso, the tournament announced Wednesday.

The Hilltoppers are set to face Valpo at 4 p.m. CST on Nov. 15 at the HTC Center on the campus of Coastal Carolina in Conway, S.C. The game will be broadcast on ESPNU.

The two programs have never met. Valparaiso finished 15-17 a year ago and was No. 150 in the Ken Pomeroy adjusted efficiency margin rankings, 103 spots below No. 47 WKU.

Teams will play three games in the inaugural event Nov. 15, 16 and 18. WKU and Valparaiso will be joined in the eight-team tournament by West Virginia, Wake Forest, Central Florida, Saint Joseph’s, Cal State Fullerton and Monmouth.

WKU will face either West Virginia or Monmouth in its second game. Other first-round matchups include Wake Forest-Saint Joseph’s and UCF-Cal State Fullerton.

All games will air on ESPN Networks.

The Hilltoppers were successful in their early-season tournament last season, going 2-1 at the Battle 4 Atlantis with victories against No. 18 Purdue and Southern Methodist.

Fans can purchase hotel rooms now through Anthony Travel by calling 888-632-6951 or by going to https://www.anthonytravel.com/myrtle-beach/.

Only fans purchasing travel packages will have the chance to purchase tickets for the tournament during this pre-sale opportunity, which includes only all-session tickets. The fee for the all-session ticket is $130 including tax and fees.

All seating with be general admission.

All-session tickets will go on sale to the public outside of travel packages in August, while single-session tickets won’t be sold until November, if available.

Current 2018-19 nonconference schedule

• Nov. 15 – vs. Valparaiso
• Nov. 16 – vs. Monmouth or West Virginia
• Nov. 18 – vs. Cal State Fullerton, Central Florida, Saint Joseph’s or Wake Forest

Dec. 1 – Saint Mary’s

Dec. 8 – at Arkansas

Dec. 19 – at Belmont

Dec. 29 – Wisconsin

TBA – Austin Peay

TBA – at Indiana State

TBA – at Missouri State

• Myrtle Beach Invitational, HTC Center, Conway, S.C.

WKU’s series records vs. Myrtle Beach Invitational field

Cal State Fullerton – Never met

Saint Joseph’s – WKU leads 7-3 (Hilltoppers won last meeting 62-59 on Nov. 27, 2014, at the NIT Season Tip-Off in New York)

UCF – WKU leads 3-0 (Hilltoppers won last meeting 73-68 on Dec. 19, 2005, at the Fiesta Bowl Classic in Tucson, Ariz.)

Valparaiso – Never met

Wake Forest – Never met

West Virginia – WVU leads 2-1 (Hilltoppers won last meeting 64-62 on March 13, 1987, at the NCAA Tournament in Syracuse, N.Y.){&end}