Zags set tough schedule

Gonzaga is guaranteed of meeting at least three teams that played in last year’s NCAA Tournament, the school announced while releasing its 2007-08 men’s basketball schedule on Thursday.

The Bulldogs, who made their ninth consecutive NCAA Tournament appearance last year, will play Washington State University at GU’s McCarthey Athletic Center on Dec. 5; Tennessee on Dec. 29 in the fifth annual Battle in Seattle at KeyArena; and at Memphis on Jan. 26.

GU will also make its second appearance at the Great Alaska Shootout, opening against Western Kentucky on Thanksgiving Day.

The Zags’ non-conference schedule includes Saint Joseph’s, Connecticut, Oklahoma, Utah and Georgia.

The Bulldogs open Nov. 7 with a home exhibition against Emporia State.

GU’s first three regular-season games will be at home: Montana on Nov. 11, Idaho on Nov. 13 and UC Riverside on Nov. 17.

“This is another challenging schedule,” GU coach Mark Few said. “We’ll meet some outstanding teams, but I think this team is up to the task that lies ahead.”

Nearly every Bulldogs game will be televised for the fourth consecutive year. Complete schedule on C6.