ESPN: Creme picks the 12 best non-conference games of 2023-24

[Ignatius L Hoops]

The 12 nonconference games that will most impact the women's NCAA bracket in March

From Nov. 6 tipoffs to UConn-South Carolina on Feb. 11, these nonconference games will likely have the biggest influence on the 2023-24 season.

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Ohio State vs. USC​

Nov. 6 in Las Vegas (Naismith Hall of Fame Series), 2 p.m. ET)

Consider this a future stars game. Opening day in Las Vegas as the first game for USC freshman JuJu Watkins, this season's most anticipated debut, seems like the perfect setting. (Defending champion LSU will also be there to start its season against Colorado.) The Buckeyes' Cotie McMahon is on the other side and many feel her sophomore season will propel her into a household name.

Virginia Tech vs. Iowa​

Nov. 9 in Charlotte, North Carolina, 8 p.m. ET, ESPN2/ESPN App

This is the NCAA championship game that almost was. If not for a furious LSU rally in last season's Final Four, the Hokies would have been playing the Hawkeyes for the national title. These teams are built around their offenses, and the potential entertainment value is high. Having two of the country's best point guards in Caitlin Clark and Georgia Amoore on the court together will be the headliner, but this also could be a measuring stick as to how Iowa defends size going up against 6-foot-6 All-American center Elizabeth Kitley.

Indiana at Stanford​

Nov. 12, 5 p.m. ET, ESPN/ESPN App

Let's start with Mackenzie Holmes and Cameron Brink, two potential first-team All-Americans squaring off in the season's first week. Both teams have big expectations but also lost some key players, so the responsibility for both Holmes and Brink will be significant all season. This will be the first true test to see how much each star will have to carry her team into 2024.

Ohio State at Tennessee​

Dec. 3, 5 p.m. ET, ESPN/ESPN App

Last November in Columbus, the Buckeyes unveiled the full-court press that would be such a big part of their season, forcing 29 Tennessee turnovers in what was at the time a surprising 13-point win. There will be no surprises this time, but there's more at stake. Both teams could be in the top 10 by the time this game tips -- that is, if the Lady Vols can survive a six-day stretch just before this game in which they play Indiana, Oklahoma, and Notre Dame.

 

[60's Guy]

"The Huskies will have already played NC State, Maryland, Kansas, and UCLA, ..."
WHAT? We aren't challenging enough to even get a mention? I suggest we knock 'em off or at least play 'em to the buzzer just to accentuate the oversight.
Go Gophers!