NCAA Basketball: 10 toughest non-conference schedules for 2019-20

NCAA Basketball: 10 toughest non-conference schedules for 2019-20 season

ST LOUIS, MO - MARCH 23: A view of Basketballs lined up during warm ups prior to game between the Stanford Cardinal and the Kansas Jayhawks in the third round of the 2014 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at Scottrade Center on March 23, 2014 in St Louis, Missouri. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images) /

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DURHAM, NC – DECEMBER 08: Head coach James Jones of the Yale Bulldogs looks on against the Duke Blue Devils in the first half at Cameron Indoor Stadium on December 8, 2018 in Durham, North Carolina. (Photo by Lance King/Getty Images) /

7) Yale

Yale had a very great season last year. Unfortunately, their fun ended in the First Round of the NCAA Tournament against LSU; however, they did not go down before giving the Tigers all they could handle.

Non-conference play was certainly a factor that pulled them to key wins in the Ivy League Tournament, as well as allowing them to do what was needed to keep it close with LSU. With the departure of Miye Oni and a few other key players, a lot of questions surround the Bulldogs heading into this season. This tough non-conference slate will provide us with answers.

Notable Opponents

@ San Francisco (Nov. 11)

@ Oklahoma State (Nov. 17)

@ Penn State (Nov. 23)

Vermont (Dec. 1)

@ Clemson (Dec. 22)

@ North Carolina (Dec. 30)

A few of these high majors that Yale will face have not been to the NCAA Tournament in a while, but they still represent a great opportunity for Yale’s returners to shine bright and show that they are back to be great again this season.

Vermont and San Francisco have been very talented mid-majors these past few years. These games will allow Yale to see where they stand against others that are in a similar boat.

Their tough non-conference schedule will end with the toughest opponent of all: North Carolina. I expect the Bulldogs to not be phased when playing in Chapel Hill, but I think North Carolina’s talent will certainly get the best of them.

From here, Yale will head into conference play knowing exactly what they need to do to get into the NCAA Tournament.

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