Top Non-Conference College Basketball Games 2011-2012

By Dennis Berry

Everyone loves when the best teams from various conferences play each other.  Those are almost always great games and very important for March Madness rankings. Here is a look at some of the best non-conference NCAA basketball games coming up this season.

10. Memphis v Louisville

An old rivalry will renew itself. Both schools are loaded with talent and this will be a chance for Memphis to make a statement about their program.

9. Florida v Syracuse

An SEC-Big East (for now) match up will give both teams a chance to make a statement. For Syracuse they can beat the defending SEC regular season champs. For Florida, it is a chance for a major road win early on.

8. Vanderbilt v Louisville

Vanderbilt wants to be prove they should be contenders in the SEC. Louisville will be looking for a good non-conference win for their NCAA resume.

7. Wisconsin v North Carolina

A great match up from the Big 10-ACC Challenge. The Wisconsin defense versus the North Carolina offense. Will the Badgers have enough offensively to hang with the Tar Heels.

6. Florida v Ohio State

This is a rematch from the 2007 National Title game. Last year the Buckeyes won in Gainesville, can the Gators do the same in Columbus?
   
5. Kansas v Kentucky

Two of the top programs in college basketball history will meet in the Champions Classic in New York. It will be the first meeting between the schools since 2007. Kansas has won three in a row.

4. Louisville v Kentucky

The "Battle for the Bluegrass" has regained the national spotlight. This year will be no different. With a Rick Pitino and John Calipari match up, it is a must see game.

3. Duke v Ohio State

The one thing too look for in this game will be if Duke can stop Jared Sullinger. If they can keep him in check, this should be a close game.

2. North Carolina v Michigan State

This will be the first game played on an air craft carrier in San Diego. Will Tom Izzo's defense be able to stop the loaded Tar Heels?

1. North Carolina v Kentucky, December 3

There should have been little doubt to the top game. 1 & 2 in all time wins. Probably will be 1 & 2 in the polls when the game is played. This match up pits two of the best coaches in the game today with as many as 10 NBA prospects on the court at one time.

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