Bearcats Unveil Loaded 2026-27 Non-Conference Slate
University of Cincinnati Women’s Basketball Releases 2026-27 Non-Conference Schedule
What’s Happening?
The University of Cincinnati (UC) women’s basketball team has announced their 2026-27 non-conference schedule. Think of this as the "practice round" before the big conference games start. The Bearcats will play 13 regular-season games plus one exhibition game against teams from other conferences.
Quick Overview
- 13 regular-season games (7 at home, 6 away)
- 1 exhibition game (doesn’t count on record)
- Two special tournaments: Cancun Challenge & Crosstown Shootout
- Season tickets on sale now starting at $100
The Full Schedule at a Glance
Exhibition Game (Warm-Up)
| Date | Opponent | Location |
|---|---|---|
| Oct. 28 | Georgetown College | Home (Fifth Third Arena) |
November Games
| Date | Opponent | Location | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nov. 4 | East Texas A&M | Home | Season opener! Coach vs. former teammate |
| Nov. 7 | Penn State | Home | Big Ten opponent |
| Nov. 11 | Saint Joseph’s | Home | Atlantic 10 opponent |
| Nov. 15 | UMES | Away | Maryland Eastern Shore |
| Nov. 18 | Western Carolina | Home | Southern Conference opponent |
| Nov. 21 | UNLV | Away | Mountain West opponent in Las Vegas |
Cancun Challenge (Thanksgiving Week in Mexico!)
All games at Hard Rock Hotel Riviera Maya
| Date | Opponent | Time (ET) |
|---|---|---|
| Nov. 26 | Miami (Ohio) | 9:00 PM |
| Nov. 27 | Minnesota | 9:00 PM |
December Games
| Date | Opponent | Location | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dec. 2 | Bellarmine | Home | Local Kentucky school |
| Dec. 4 | Ball State | Home | MAC opponent |
| Dec. 6 | Toledo | Away | MAC opponent |
| Dec. 12 | IU Indy | Home | Formerly IUPUI |
| Dec. 15 | Xavier | Away | Crosstown Shootout! |
Legend: Bold = Home games at Fifth Third Arena | ^ = Cancun Challenge | & = Crosstown Shootout
Three Storylines to Watch
1. Coach vs. Former Teammate (Nov. 4)
Head coach Katrina Merriweather will face Valerie King, her former UC teammate from 2004! King is now head coach at East Texas A&M. It’s like playing against your old best friend from summer camp.
2. Beach Basketball in Cancun (Nov. 26-27)
The team spends Thanksgiving week in Mexico! They’ll play:
- Miami (Ohio) – a short drive from Cincinnati
- Minnesota – a Big Ten powerhouse
3. The Big City Rivalry (Dec. 15)
The Crosstown Shootout against Xavier is Cincinnati’s biggest rivalry game. It’s like the Super Bowl of local basketball – bragging rights for the whole city!
Want to Watch Live? Get Tickets Now!
SEASON TICKETS ON SALE
- Prices start at just $100 for the whole season
- Choose your seats in Fifth Third Arena
- Join "The Sisterhood" (the team’s fan community)
- Call 513-556-2287 or visit the ticket office website
Summary
The Bearcats have an exciting 13-game non-conference schedule with a great mix of:
- 7 home games at Fifth Third Arena
- Power 5 opponents (Penn State, Minnesota)
- Fun destination tournament in Cancun
- Historic rivalry vs. Xavier
- Special coach reunion vs. East Texas A&M
Season tickets are affordable ($100+) and on sale now. The season tips off November 4th against East Texas A&M!
FAQ
What does "non-conference schedule" mean?
These are games against teams from other conferences (like Big Ten, MAC, Atlantic 10). They don’t count toward the Big 12 standings but help the team prepare and build their resume for postseason tournaments.
What’s the Crosstown Shootout?
It’s the annual rivalry game between UC and Xavier – two Cincinnati universities separated by just 3 miles! It’s one of the most intense rivalries in college basketball.
Do exhibition games count?
No! The Georgetown College game (Oct. 28) is just for practice. It doesn’t affect the team’s win-loss record.
How many home games are there?
7 regular-season home games plus 1 exhibition = 8 total chances to see the Bearcats at Fifth Third Arena before conference play starts.
Where can I buy tickets?
Call 513-556-2287 or visit the UC Bearcats ticket office website. Prices start at $100 for the whole season – that’s less than $10 per game!