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NCAA Basketball: 10 non-conference matchups that should be scheduled for 2018

By Tristan Freeman

ATLANTA, GA - MARCH 22: Head coach John Calipari of the Kentucky Wildcats reacts against the Kansas State Wildcats in the first half during the 2018 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament South Regional at Philips Arena on March 22, 2018 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)
ATLANTA, GA - MARCH 22: Head coach John Calipari of the Kentucky Wildcats reacts against the Kansas State Wildcats in the first half during the 2018 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament South Regional at Philips Arena on March 22, 2018 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images) /
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CHARLOTTE, NC – MARCH 16: Head Coach Greg McDermott of the Creighton Bluejays reacts to a play in their game against the Kansas State Wildcats during the first round of the 2018 NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament at Spectrum Center on March 16, 2018 in Charlotte, North Carolina. (Photo by Jared C. Tilton/Getty Images)
CHARLOTTE, NC – MARCH 16: Head Coach Greg McDermott of the Creighton Bluejays reacts to a play in their game against the Kansas State Wildcats during the first round of the 2018 NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament at Spectrum Center on March 16, 2018 in Charlotte, North Carolina. (Photo by Jared C. Tilton/Getty Images) /

6. Loyola-Chicago at Creighton

These two teams have played before after the Bluejays departed the Missouri Valley for the Big East. The Ramblers won that game 68-65. But after the Final Four run that Loyola-Chicago went on, another game between them would have much more value.

Creighton still has that mid-major mentality of scheduling tough in the non-conference and will be looking to continue that. With the given history between them, it would be a good game for both sides. Maybe the Ramblers have enough leverage to get a return game as well.

5. BYU vs. San Diego State (Home and Home scenario)

When the Cougars left the Mountain West nearly eight years ago, there were hard feelings between everybody. The ice has been thawing, with BYU playing those schools in football, but not always in basketball.

These two played each other in the Maui Invitational in 2014, with the Aztecs winning 92-87 in double-overtime. The former Mountain West squads have a great history with one another on the court, highlighted by the Jimmer Fredette vs. Kawhi Leonard going at it.

Both teams desperately need to bolster their non-conference resumes, so scheduling one another would make perfect sense. And maybe another instant classic would be in store.

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