Women’s Basketball Announces Loaded Non-Conference Slate for 2026-27
8/27/2026 12:13:00 PM | Women's Basketball
KENT, Ohio — Seven opponents who competed in postseason tournaments last season, including two that won multiple NCAA Tournament games, highlight the non-conference schedule for 2026-27, as announced by Kent State women's basketball head coach Fran Recchia on Thursday.
In addition to an exhibition contest against Slippery Rock on Oct. 28, the slate includes five home games at the M.A.C. Center. Two of those opponents finished last season in the top 100 of the NET rankings, including WNIT champion Marshall.
"Our goal when building this non-conference schedule was to test ourselves both home and away to prepare for the rigors of MAC play," Recchia said. "We've put together a great balance of playing styles and travel demands that will challenge us every single night."
The 52nd season of Kent State women's basketball officially tips at the M.A.C. Center on Nov. 2 against Troy, a MAC-Sun Belt Challenge matchup that was announced in July. Following a trip to Northern Kentucky on Nov. 7, the Golden Flashes will host Duquesne on Nov. 14 as the teams battle for the ninth consecutive season. A matchup with Butler is scheduled inside of historic Hinkle Fieldhouse on Nov. 18.
Kent State will resume series with both Horizon League members in Northeast Ohio to close the first month of the season. The Flashes will head to Cleveland State on Nov. 21 for the first matchup with the Vikings in more than a decade. Kent State then hosts Youngstown State on Nov. 29 for the first regular meeting in seven years.
"Finding regional opponents and giving our fans an opportunity to support us on the road was a focus while putting this schedule together," Recchia said.
A stretch of four games in 11 days begins with road trips to Bradley on Dec. 2 and Michigan on Dec. 7. The Wolverines advanced to the Elite Eight last season and will be among the favorites to cut down the nets in Columbus next April.
The Flashes will then be in action at the M.A.C. Center on Dec. 9 against Hiram for the annual Education Day game before hosting Marshall on Dec. 12.
Kent State then heads to sunny Florida for the third time in the past six seasons and will play two games as on the campus of Florida Atlantic University. The Flashes are scheduled to battle SIUE on Dec. 19 and FAU on Dec. 20 as part of the event.
Another road matchup against a team with aspirations to play into April closes the calendar year as Kent State travels to Lexington for the first time since 1990 to take on Kentucky on Dec. 28.
"We want to continue to embrace the challenge of playing ranked teams on the road in NCAA Tournament-level environments, and Michigan and Kentucky both check that box," Recchia added. "These games will provide incredible preparation for league play, as well as memorable experiences for our student-athletes."
Mid-American Conference play begins on Jan. 2 at Toledo. The Flashes will take a break from league play on Feb. 6 for the second MAC-Sun Belt Challenge matchup. Kent State will visit a to-be-determined opponent in the non-conference finale.
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