The University of North Carolina men's basketball team will host ECU in their non-conference finale on December 22, with UNC aiming to extend their winning streak and improve their season record, featuring standout performances from players like Henri Veesaar and Caleb Wilson, and preparing for ACC play.
Nebraska aims to complete a perfect non-conference season with a win over Houston Christian, focusing on refining their offense and defense in preparation for a tough Big Ten schedule, with key players like Dylan Raiola and the defensive line showcasing strong performances.
Indiana Hoosiers will face South Carolina Gamecocks in a non-conference home game at Simon Skojdt Assembly Hall. South Carolina, coached by Lamont Paris, is 2-1 this season and features standout sophomore Collin Murray-Boyles. Key strategies for Indiana include defending without fouling and limiting South Carolina's second-chance opportunities. The game will be a test for both teams as they integrate new players. KenPom predicts a six-point win for Indiana with a 71% chance of victory.
No. 4 Iowa Hawkeyes (11-1) will face Loyola Chicago Ramblers (6-4) in a non-conference women's basketball game. Iowa's Caitlin Clark leads the nation in scoring and is ranked 9th all-time in NCAA Division-I career scoring. Loyola has won four consecutive games and is shooting 38.7 percent from the floor. This is the first meeting between the two teams.
Syracuse basketball will face Niagara in their final non-conference game of the regular season. With a record of 8-3, the Orange has suffered no "bad" losses, with all three defeats coming against teams currently ranked in the AP's Top 25. The game will take place at the JMA Wireless Dome.
The Dayton Flyers snapped an eight-game losing streak in non-conference regular-season road games by defeating Southern Methodist University 65-63. Koby Brea led the way with 22 points, including crucial baskets down the stretch, while DaRon Holmes II contributed 20 points. Dayton's victory marked their first non-conference road win in seven years and avenged a previous loss to SMU. Former President George W. Bush and Laura Bush were in attendance at the game.
Marshall defeated Virginia Tech 24-17 in a non-conference game, marking the Hokies' third consecutive loss and a 1-3 start to their season. Marshall's running back, Raheen Ali, ran for 174 yards and two touchdowns, contributing to the Thundering Herd's 214-yard rushing effort. This is the first time in 31 years that Virginia Tech has lost more than two non-conference games in a season.
Rutgers football faces their toughest non-conference test of the season as they host Virginia Tech at SHI Stadium. Coach Greg Schiano acknowledges the challenge and expects a tough game. The article provides a preview of the matchup, staff picks, a podcast, and insights on key players. It also reflects on Rutgers' previous win over Virginia Tech and catches up with Lil Jovi, the team's famous fan.
Iowa State football, coming off a tough loss to Iowa, heads on the road for their first away game against Ohio. The game will be livestreamed on ESPN U, and Iowa State is favored to win by 3.5 points according to FanDuel Sportsbook.