Iowa women's basketball releases 2018-19 non-conference schedule

IOWA CITY — A trip to likely preseason No. 1 Notre Dame highlights the non-conference schedule of the women's basketball season, released Thursday by the university.

The battle in South Bend is part of the Big Ten/ACC Challenge.

Iowa (24-8 last season) returns all-America post Megan Gustafson and is expected to compete for the Big Ten championship. The Hawkeyes will play all three in-state rivals — at home against Iowa State (Dec. 5) and Northern Iowa (Dec. 16) and on the road against Drake (Dec. 21).

The Hawkeyes open their season with an exhibition game Nov. 6 against Dakota Wesleyan, then start for real Nov. 9 at home against Oral Roberts.

The Big Ten schedule is yet to be released.

Iowa women's basketball 2018-19 non-conference schedule

Nov. 6 — Dakota Wesleyan (exhibition)

Nov. 9 — Oral Roberts

Nov. 13 — at Western Kentucky

Nov. 17 — North Carolina Central

Nov. 23 — vs. West Virginia (Junkanoo Jam)

Nov. 24 — vs. Florida State or Eastern Kentucky (Junkanoo Jam)

Nov. 29 — at Notre Dame (Big Ten/ACC Challenge)

Dec. 2 — Robert Morris

Dec. 5 — Iowa State

Dec. 8 — IUPUI

Dec. 16 — Northern Iowa

Dec. 21 — at Drake

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