The Halfcourt Trap Vol. I, No. 18

Road Trap ‘07-’08 rolls into Nashville this weekend. I can barely contain my enthusiasm. That said, we are entering the home stretch of nonconference play. Here are 6 remaining out of league tilts that catch my eye.

1. Duke-Pittsburgh. December 20 at Madison Square Garden. This will be a great test for two teams that have met every challenge thus far. A Panther win will stamp them as a legit Big East contender.

2. Tennessee at Xavier. December 22. The Vols failed miserably in their first test against a team with an experienced, high scoring backcourt. Here’s their chance at redemption.

3. Georgetown at Memphis. December 22. The Tigers are playing by far the nation’s best nonconference schedule. This heavywight clash with JTIII’s squad will have seeding ramifications come March.

4. Missouri-Illinois. December 22 in St. Louis. This is always one of the great nonconference battles. This year, each squad needs a win to help fortify middling postseason credentials.

5. St. Mary’s at Texas. January 5. The Horns have been the nation’s best team so far. The Gaels, led by superfrosh Patrick Mills, have been the most pleasant surprise. We’ll see how St. Mary’s does against a heavyweight on the road.

6. Louisville at Kentucky. January 5. This has often been a battle for national recognition. This season, it’s a fight to stay above water. Each team deperately needs a win to enter conference play on an upswing.

Until next week, stay classy, VolNation.