NCAA Basketball: 10 non-conference matchups that should be scheduled for 2018
2. Duke vs. UCLA (Neutral site)
When it comes to the blue bloods, most of them play each other in some way in every non-conference season. That’s due to events like the Champion’s Classic, the CBS Sports Classic, and the big tournaments and challenges that get a couple of heavyweights to face off.
The downside to it is that the schedules for these teams would already be set, limiting more marquee matchups from being created. One is UCLA vs. Duke, who have their own separate “classics” every season on TV.
These two historical programs should play one another as much as possible, as they’re arguably the most famous schools on the end of the coasts. It’s very unlikely that the schedule will allow them to do a series, but a big-time game in Madison Garden would be the perfect venue for this contest.
1. Gonzaga vs. Nevada (Home and Home scenario)
This would make sense any other year, as the western-based schools need to find some quality non-conference games to help with their resumes. But for this season, it’s an absolute must that this happens.
Gonzaga is already a preseason top-10 team for next year after the team’s top players have returned. The same thing will be said for Nevada once the Martin brothers and Jordan Caroline decide to come back as well. It’ll pit the top teams in both the WCC and the Mountain West. They’re also the projected best teams on the west coast.
It’s not very often that there are two mid-major Final Four contenders in the preseason. Them playing each other would not only put the west coast on the map for a night, but it’s a surefire resume building for whoever wins that game. Not only could this realistically happen, but for college basketball fans sake – it has to.