Springfield Standard

Missouri State University’s women’s basketball team has released its non-conference schedule for the 2025-26 season. Head coach Beth Cunningham announced that the Lady Bears will play 13 non-conference games, including six at home and matchups against four teams that reached postseason tournaments last year.

The season opens at home on November 3 against Saint Louis University, continuing a four-year series between the two programs. Last season, Saint Louis finished with a 15-19 record and exited in the Atlantic 10 Championship quarterfinals.

Missouri State will travel to UT Arlington on November 7. The Mavericks posted an 18-14 record last year and made it to the WAC championship game before earning a spot in the WNIT, advancing to the second round.

On November 11, Missouri State faces Southeast Missouri State (SEMO) for the third consecutive season. SEMO ended last year with a 6-23 record and lost to Missouri State by a score of 77-49 in their previous meeting.

A neutral-site contest against Wichita State is scheduled for November 15 in Kansas City. The Shockers finished their most recent campaign at 10-22 overall and were eliminated in the first round of their conference tournament.

Missouri State returns home on November 18 to host Georgia Southern, marking their first-ever meeting. Georgia Southern had a record of 16-18 last season.

The Lady Bears then begin a four-game road stretch starting with Tulsa on November 22. Tulsa went 17-15 last year and received a WNIT bid after finishing fifth in their conference standings.

In late November, Missouri State will participate in Coconut Hoops held in Fort Myers, Florida. They are set to play Florida State on November 28; another opponent will be announced later. Florida State went 24-9 last season and played into the second round of the NCAA Tournament.

On December 4, Missouri State travels to Tulane for their final road game of non-conference play. Tulane finished with a record of 17-13 last year.

The Lady Bears close out non-conference action with four straight home games: Kansas (December 7), Arkansas (December 13), Gonzaga (December 19), and Central Arkansas (December 22). This marks Missouri State’s first matchup with both Kansas and Arkansas since the 2016-17 season; Kansas went 16-14 while Arkansas posted a mark of 10-22 last year.

Missouri State defeated Gonzaga during last year's Paradise Jam tournament; Gonzaga earned a share of its conference title but fell short in postseason play after reaching overtime in the WBIT quarterfinals against Minnesota.

Central Arkansas visits Springfield for its first-ever meeting with Missouri State after posting a strong showing as ASUN runners-up last season at 23-10 overall.

Conference USA released its schedule earlier this summer, setting up an opener at FIU on January 4 for Missouri State's league slate.

Season tickets are now available online or through Great Southern Bank Arena’s box office by phone or walk-in purchase during regular hours. Details about individual game times and single-game ticket sales will be provided later.

Head coach Beth Cunningham said: "Head coach Beth Cunningham and the Lady Bears are coming off a 26-9 season that saw Missouri State win a share of the Missouri Valley Conference regular-season title and make an appearance in the WBIT for the second consecutive year. The 2024-25 season marked Missouri State's eighth consecutive 20-win season and tenth straight season with a postseason appearance."

The Lady Bears return seven players from last year's roster while adding seven newcomers comprised of four transfers and three freshmen.