13 Best Early Nonconference Women's Basketball Games

As the anticipation for the 2023-24 women’s college basketball season builds, several intriguing nonconference matchups promise to provide exciting glimpses of the upcoming campaign.

Stanford at South Carolina (November 16): A rematch of the 2023 National Championship Game, this clash between the two perennial powerhouses will set the tone for the season.

Louisville at Oregon (November 23): Two teams with aspirations for the Final Four, Louisville’s potent offense will face off against Oregon’s stifling defense.

UConn at Mississippi State (November 24): A showdown between a dynasty and a rising star, UConn’s unmatched record will be put to the test against Mississippi State’s explosive scoring.

Notre Dame at Maryland (November 25): A battle of Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) rivals, Notre Dame’s methodical style will clash with Maryland’s up-tempo attack.

Tennessee at Maryland (December 15): A rematch of the 2023 NCAA Tournament Elite Eight, these two SEC foes will clash in what is sure to be a competitive affair.

Michigan State at Baylor (December 17): A test of styles, Michigan State’s physicality will be challenged by Baylor’s high-scoring and fast-paced game.

North Carolina at Ohio State (December 20): Two conference contenders will battle it out in a potential preview of the NCAA Tournament.

South Carolina at Georgia (January 1): A rivalry that has heated up in recent years, South Carolina’s dominance will be tested by Georgia’s home-court advantage.

UCLA at Stanford (January 5): Two Pac-12 powerhouses will clash in a rematch of the 2023 conference tournament final.

Duke at Tennessee (January 8): A matchup of two of the nation’s top programs, Duke’s youthful talent will face a tough test against Tennessee’s experience.

Ohio State at Indiana (January 15): A Big Ten rivalry, Ohio State will look to defend its conference title against a rising Indiana squad.

UConn at South Carolina (January 19): A second meeting between these two titans, this time on South Carolina’s home court, promises to be another epic battle.

Stanford at Louisville (February 16): A potential preview of the Final Four, Stanford’s balanced attack will face off against Louisville’s potent inside-outside game.

These nonconference games feature teams with vastly different styles and strengths. Offenses like Mississippi State’s and Baylor’s will challenge defenses such as Oregon’s and Michigan State’s. Physicality will collide with speed, and experience will square off against youth.

The outcomes of these contests will have implications for national rankings, seeding in the NCAA Tournament, and the overall narrative of the season.

These early-season matchups will also provide a stage for emerging stars to showcase their talent. Players like UConn’s Ayanna Patterson and Stanford’s Elena Bosganis will look to build upon their impressive freshman campaigns.

The results of these nonconference games will help shape the predictions for the NCAA Tournament. Teams that perform well in these contests will solidify their status as contenders, while those who falter may need to adjust their expectations.

As the women’s basketball season approaches, these 13 nonconference games offer tantalizing glimpses of the upcoming action. From high-scoring shootouts to defensive battles, these matchups will provide valuable insights into the strengths and weaknesses of the nation’s top teams.

These contests will shape the narrative of the season, showcase emerging stars, and ultimately contribute to determining the national champion. Get ready for an exciting and intriguing women’s basketball season ahead!