NCAA Basketball: Gonzaga, Toppin best non-conference mid-majors

NCAA Basketball: Gonzaga, Toppin best mid-major performers of the non-conference

By Logan Butts | Dec 31, 2019

SPOKANE, WASHINGTON - DECEMBER 21: Head coach Mark Few of the Gonzaga Bulldogs huddles with his players during a timeout in the second half against the Eastern Washington Eagles at McCarthey Athletic Center on December 21, 2019 in Spokane, Washington. Gonzaga defeats Eastern Washington 112-77. (Photo by William Mancebo/Getty Images) /

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LEXINGTON, KY – DECEMBER 01: Isaiah Miller #1 of the UNC-Greensboro Spartans (Photo by Michael Hickey/Getty Images) /

Most Exciting Conference Race: SoCon

For the second year in a row, the SoCon has the most exciting group of contenders of any traditional one-bid league. Last season, the Wofford Terriers turned in an all-time great mid-major season, leaving UNCG, ETSU, and Furman on the outside looking in (justice for UNC G!).

If they could not earn a #twobidSoCon last season, then it’s not happening this season either. So that means the battle for the conference crown between ETSU, UNCG, Furman, and company is going to determine the league’s only selection.

The Spartans are my pick heading into conference play. They only have three losses so far: at Kansas, on a half-court buzzer-beater vs Montana State, and on a buzzer-beating three at N.C. State. They are a couple of bounces away from being ranked in the top-25.

The Buccaneers meanwhile also lost at Kansas, but their second loss is by 10 at North Dakota State. Both ETSU and UNCG are veteran-laden, deep, balanced squads. If either one makes the NCAA Tournament, I think they can do some damage.

Next. Top 25 power rankings. dark

Also, keep an eye out on Furman, Western Carolina, and even though they have had a major drop-off this season, Wofford.

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