INDIANAPOLIS -- The IUPUI Department of Intercollegiate Athletics announced its 2008-09 women’s basketball schedule today, featuring a historic game at Conseco Fieldhouse along with contests versus SEC, Big Ten, ACC and Big EAST conference members.

IUPUI, coming on the heels of their first-ever trip to The Summit League conference championship game, will play at Conseco Fieldhouse for the first time in program history when they host South Carolina-Upstate at 5 p.m. on Nov. 25.

“This schedule reflects the growth of our program and should provide a stern challenge as we prepare for Summit League play,” Head Coach Shann Hart remarked.  “Having participated in the Preseason NIT and the conference championship a year ago, being able to play in Conseco Fieldhouse, is truly a privilege for us.”

The Jaguars will open their season on the road at Northern Illinois (11/14), before facing off against Big Ten Tournament champion Purdue on Nov. 16. 

Following those road contests, IUPUI will open at The Jungle versus IU-Southeast on Nov. 19.  Defending Ivy League champion Cornell (11/22) will also make a visit to The Jungle.

Other marquee non-conference games include visits to Cincinnati (12/14), Kentucky (12/30) and participation in the Robert Morris Tournament over Thanksgiving and a matchup versus Virginia Tech (12/19) in the first round of the South Padre Island [Texas] Invitational.

IUPUI will open up Summit League play with a home contest against Western Illinois on Dec. 6.  The Jaguars will host defending conference champion Oral Roberts on Jan. 19 and have ‘Think Pink’ night on Feb. 21, when they host Oakland.  Senior Night will be on Feb. 23 versus IPFW.

The Summit League Tournament will be in Sioux Falls, S.D., from March 7-10, 2009.

Led by returning Summit League First Team members Jernisha Cann and Julia Whitted, the Jaguars will return four starters from their Summit League runner-up team of a year ago.  Cann sits just 18 rebounds shy of the IUPUI career record, and just 143 short of becoming the first 1,000-point, 1,000-rebound performer in school history.

Senior Brykeesha Tate was among the conference leaders in assists for the third straight season in 2007-08, while sophomore Nicole James was named to the All-Newcomer Team a year ago.

“I’m excited to get the season started,” Hart said.  “With our returning players, plus our incoming class, I think we have a chance to have a special and historic season.”

The 2008-09 season begins with the Jaguars Jamboree - the first official night of practice - on Friday, Oct. 17 in The Jungle.

Season tickets are available and includes the contest at Conseco Fieldhouse. To receive season ticket information, please click here and fill out a quick form. 

The complete schedules is listed on IUPUIJags.com by clicking here.