22. Xavier at Cincinnati (Dec. 8)
There was a period of time last season where Cincinnati felt like the center of the college basketball universe. Then both were upset in the second round of the NCAA tournament on the same night and the same court and in eerily similar fashions. Xavier and UC both figure to be taking a step back in 2018-19, but the disdain harbored between these two bitter rivals never changes, which is why this is always appointment viewing in December.
29. Tennessee at Memphis (Dec. 15)
It seems like a no-brainer that these two programs should play every year, but this first installment of a new three-year contract will be their first meeting since 2013. It may not be as memorable as the No. 1 vs. No. 2 showdown of 2008, but the most hyped Tennessee team since that year traveling to face a Memphis program that has been completely rejuvenated by the hiring of Penny Hardaway will still move the needle.
34. Cincinnati at Mississippi State (Dec. 15)
Cincinnati figures to take a step back after losing so much from last season’s 31-win team. The only question is how large that step is. Mississippi State, meanwhile, will start the season ranked in the top 20 despite having not made a single NCAA tournament appearance since 2009.
40. Syracuse vs. Connecticut (2K Empire Classic) (Nov. 15)
Syracuse has won eight of the last 11 meetings with its old Big East rival, a streak which dates back to the famous six overtime game in 2009. That run gives Danny Hurley an opportunity to endear himself to his new fan base with a win inside Madison Square Garden.
https://www.sbnation.com/college-basketb...in-2018-19
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SBN: Top 50 BB OOC games: UC (2), UConn & Memphis (1 each)
