The Bearcats started heading in the right direct last season, improving their Big East record from 2-14 to 8-10, and are a team that has put together a few upsets and a few disappointing losses. Their biggest loss of this season, though, is losing freshman point guard Cashmere Wright to a torn ACL.
The Musketeers, on the other hand, added to their three seed team from last March with freshman center Kenny Frease. Coach Miller saved no time this season by scheduling a difficult non-conference schedule. The Musketeers visit the Bearcats immediately after hosting the Ohio State Buckeyes and one week before hosting the Duke Blue Devils.
With both teams trying to start their seasons out on the right foot, this game should be a battle right to the end.
Marquette @ Tennessee
Tuesday, Dec. 16 - 9:30 PM
The Golden Eagles (#17 AP, #17 Coaches) make the list for a second time when they visit the Tennessee Volunteers (#13 AP, #13 Coaches) mid-December.
The Vols will be looking to establish themselves as a basketball school for the season after their football team has managed to string together only one SEC conference win so far. After losing to the three seeded Louisville Cardinals as a two seed last March, the Vols will try to repeat as SEC champions.
Last season the Vols went 3-2 against ranked teams (one of those ranked teams being top ranked Memphis, which sent the Vols to the number one spot themselves), so they will try to start out on the right root against their first ranked opponent of the season.
Louisville @ Minnesota
Saturday, Dec. 20 - 2:00 PM
While the Gophers are not considered a national title threat by any means, Coach Tubby Smith has the ability to turn them into that. After his first season as the Gophers head coach, Tubby Smith's first recruiting class will hit the floor this season and is headlined by center Ralph Sampson III.
The Cardinals (#3 AP, #3 Coaches) answer to Sampson is their own freshman center Samardo Samuels, who many consider to be the best incoming center.
This should be a very good game between two established coaches who have both won national titles with other schools. The Cardinals are considered to be a preseason contender for the national title, while the Gophers could very well make a run to the surprise many people.
Syracuse @ Memphis
Saturday, Dec. 20 - 6:00 PM
Both the Orange and Tigers (#12 AP, #12 Coaches) make the list for a second time in what will surely be a great late December matchup.
Both teams have a lot of freshman potential who should be in full swing by the time they meet up.
The last time these two teams met was November 19, 2004 when the Orange handed the Tigers their first loss of the season and Conference USA still included the likes of Louisville and Marquette.
This should be another great matchup between two very promising teams.
Connecticut vs. Gonzaga
Saturday, Dec. 20 - 7:00 PM
The Connecticut Huskies (#2 AP, #2 Coaches) take on the Gonzaga Bulldogs (#9 AP, #11 Coaches) in the Comcast Battle in Seattle on December 20.
The Huskies have four starters returning this season and are relying a lot on big man Hasheem Thabeet to carry the load. The Bulldogs are looking to rebound after getting knocked out in the first round of the NCAA Tournament last March by Davidson. They have signed three promising freshmen and are looking to go back to the big dance for an eleventh year in a row.
Their preseason ranking shows that many are expecting them to as well, but they will have their work cut out for them at the Comcast Battle. Expect a great game between two great teams.
Miami (FL) @ St. John's
Saturday, Dec. 27 - 12:00 PM
The Red Storm are not the team they once were, but Coach Roberts has predicted that this season will be different and he plans to show the world that when they take on the Miami (FL) Hurricanes (#17 AP, #16 Coaches) the game before they kick off Big East play.
The Hurricanes are ready to take on a strong ACC conference this season and they are getting ready by playing teams like Ohio State, Kentucky, and St. John's in non-conference play. Coach Haith is trying to turn around the Hurricane program and did a great job last season, when they ended with an RPI of 34.
Look for the Hurricanes to be a great team in a tough ACC conference and the Red Storm to make their way through a goliath Big East.
West Virginia @ Ohio State
Saturday, Dec. 27 - 4:00 PM
The Mountaineers and Buckeyes make it back to the list in their last game before conference play begins for both teams.
Each team is currently on the verge of being ranked and can easily break into the top twenty five before this game occurs.
The difference in style play should make for a great matchup. The Mountaineers are a great perimeter team while the Buckeyes are going to utilize freshman center B.J. Mullens as much as they can.
Both teams are going to try to hit the ground running in this one and finish up their non-conference play with a positive game. This one is sure to be one.
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