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NCAA Basketball: 75 best non-conference games for 2019-20 season

By Donovan Darlington

WASHINGTON, DC - MARCH 31: Cassius Winston #5 of the Michigan State Spartans is defended by Tre Jones #3 of the Duke Blue Devils during the first half in the East Regional game of the 2019 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at Capital One Arena on March 31, 2019 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images)
WASHINGTON, DC - MARCH 31: Cassius Winston #5 of the Michigan State Spartans is defended by Tre Jones #3 of the Duke Blue Devils during the first half in the East Regional game of the 2019 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at Capital One Arena on March 31, 2019 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images) /
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COLUMBIA, SOUTH CAROLINA – MARCH 22: Breein Tyree #4 of the Mississippi Rebels shoots against Matt Freeman #5, Christian James #0 and Rashard Odomes #1 of the Oklahoma Sooners in the first half during the first round of the 2019 NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament at Colonial Life Arena on March 22, 2019 in Columbia, South Carolina. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
COLUMBIA, SOUTH CAROLINA – MARCH 22: Breein Tyree #4 of the Mississippi Rebels shoots against Matt Freeman #5, Christian James #0 and Rashard Odomes #1 of the Oklahoma Sooners in the first half during the first round of the 2019 NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament at Colonial Life Arena on March 22, 2019 in Columbia, South Carolina. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images) /

Matchups Between Solid High-Majors

These games are very crucial for the participants because they bring forth the perfect opportunity for a statement to be made. The losers of these games often find themselves with plenty of questions to answer, and the winners have a solid victory to add to their NCAA Tournament Resumes.

15. Arizona vs. Illinois (Nov. 10)

After both failed to make the NCAA Tournament a season ago, they will be good enough to be in the tournament conversation this year and are out to make a statement. It will be a tough battle, but I’m going with Brad Underwood.

Winner: Illinois

14. Tennessee vs. Wisconsin (Dec. 28)

The D’Mitrik Trice and Lamonte Turner matchup in the backcourt will be exciting. In a game that will be decided by fewer than five points, Tennessee will be victorious.

Winner: Tennessee

13. Ole Miss vs. Penn State (Nov. 27, NIT Season Tip-Off)

In Head Coach Kermit Davis’s second year at the helm for Ole Miss, the Rebels will be better and more prepared for non-conference tests against solid teams like Penn State.

Winner: Ole Miss

12. Iowa State vs. Iowa (Dec. 12)

Ah, the non-conference rivalry game for the state of Iowa should be a good one. Iowa State will be near the top of the Big 12 and they will make a statement to everyone else in NCAA basketball by taking out Iowa.

Winner: Iowa State

11. Baylor vs. Washington (Nov. 8, Armed Forces Classic)

This Armed Forces Classic game features two teams that will be near the top of the Big 12 and Pac 12 this season. It will be close but I’ve got Washington adding a win over Baylor to their NCAA Tournament resume.

Winner: Washington

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