Busting Brackets
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Gonzaga Basketball: Ranking Bulldogs 2019-20 non-conference opponents

By Andy Patton

SPOKANE, WA - FEBRUARY 21: Fans for the Gonzaga Bulldogs cheer for their team in the game against the Pepperdine Waves at McCarthey Athletic Center on February 21, 2019 in Spokane, Washington. Gonzaga defeated Pepperdine 92-64. (Photo by William Mancebo/Getty Images)
SPOKANE, WA - FEBRUARY 21: Fans for the Gonzaga Bulldogs cheer for their team in the game against the Pepperdine Waves at McCarthey Athletic Center on February 21, 2019 in Spokane, Washington. Gonzaga defeated Pepperdine 92-64. (Photo by William Mancebo/Getty Images) /
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GLENDALE, AZ – APRIL 03: Head coach Roy Williams of the North Carolina Tar Heels and head coach Mark Few of the Gonzaga Bulldogs look on in the first half during the 2017 NCAA Men’s Final Four National Championship game at University of Phoenix Stadium on April 3, 2017 in Glendale, Arizona. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)
GLENDALE, AZ – APRIL 03: Head coach Roy Williams of the North Carolina Tar Heels and head coach Mark Few of the Gonzaga Bulldogs look on in the first half during the 2017 NCAA Men’s Final Four National Championship game at University of Phoenix Stadium on April 3, 2017 in Glendale, Arizona. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images) /

3. Battle 4 Atlantis Semi-Finals (Oregon/Seton Hall – 11/28)

Assuming the Zags get by the Golden Eagles of Southern Mississippi, they will take on either the Oregon Ducks or the Seton Hall Pirates.

Seton Hall finished third in the Big East last year and would be a formidable opponent for Gonzaga, likely on par with the Wildcats, but this game ranks higher because of the opportunity to play the Ducks – a team that Mark Few and his staff have stayed away from for so long.

The Ducks have an incredible recruiting class, punctuated recently by the addition of N’Faly Dante and Addison Patterson, and would give Gonzaga all sorts of trouble with their athleticism.

The youth could be an issue though, and a Gonzaga-Oregon matchup would be one of the most fun games of the college basketball season, especially as it takes place in the Bahamas on Thanksgiving.

2. Battle 4 Atlantis Championship (Alabama/Iowa State/Michigan/North Carolina)

There is a wide range of outcomes for this game. But, let’s face it, this should be a Gonzaga – North Carolina battle for the ages. A rematch of the 2017 National Title Game. A battle of Blue Bloods.

You get the picture.

The only reason this isn’t number one is that (spoiler alert) the Zags are guaranteed to play North Carolina this year, as they have a date with them on December 18 in the Kennel.

Assuming they play UNC in this one then it’s a tie, obviously, but there’s a small chance they play one of Alabama, Iowa State or Michigan, all fringe tournament teams, which bumps this down a notch.

1. North Carolina (12/18)

20 consecutive seasons of making the NCAA tournament for this tiny school in Spokane, Washington has led to this. A date with the big dogs. The bluest of blue bloods.

The Tar Heels of North Carolina are coming to Spokane.

Nevermind that the students won’t be in session (a colossal scheduling mistake, if you ask me) this should be one for the ages.

Next. Will Gonzaga or UW be better in 2019-20?. dark

Not only is this the best non-conference opponent the Zags will face this season, it rivals their best ever.

At least, the best they’ve ever hosted in the Kennel.