Don't know, but a lot of high major programs do this. They believe the strength of their conference will make up for a weak non-conference schedule, and the extra wins look good on their record in the end.
Texas is now one of 16 members of the SEC with only one auto-bid up for grabs. And they are rebuilding after losing nearly all of their talent from last year. 5 of their regular rotation players were 5th year grad students who I think are out of eligibility (Abmas, Disu, Shedrick, Horton, & Cunningham), plus they lost nearly everyone else of significance to the transfer portal (Hunter, Mitchell, and several reserves). Maybe they believe their best chance is to rack up easy wins early and hope the strength of the SEC will carry them to an at-large bid.
Texas is now one of 16 members of the SEC with only one auto-bid up for grabs. And they are rebuilding after losing nearly all of their talent from last year. 5 of their regular rotation players were 5th year grad students who I think are out of eligibility (Abmas, Disu, Shedrick, Horton, & Cunningham), plus they lost nearly everyone else of significance to the transfer portal (Hunter, Mitchell, and several reserves). Maybe they believe their best chance is to rack up easy wins early and hope the strength of the SEC will carry them to an at-large bid.