WEST LAFAYETTE - IU Indy opens its 2026–27 women's basketball season on the road Monday night, visiting Purdue at Mackey Arena. Tipoff is set for 7 p.m. ET, with the game streaming on B1G+. 

The Jaguars enter the opener with a veteran core led by sisters Hailey and Olivia Smith. Last season, Olivia averaged 10.6 points and 3.8 rebounds per game, while Hailey added 10.1 points and led IU Indy with 5.8 rebounds per game. Their experience will be important as IU Indy begins a season in which it was picked fifth in the Horizon League preseason poll.

Defense could be the Jaguars' early-season calling card. IU Indy led the Horizon League in steals and turnovers forced last season, averaging 10.8 steals and forcing 19.8 turnovers per game. Turning that pressure into transition points—and limiting Purdue's chances to settle into its offense—will be an early test for Kate Bruce's team.

Purdue also begins its regular season Monday, with a roster featuring 10 newcomers. The Boilermakers' only preseason tune-up was a 55–52 exhibition win over UIC on Oct. 24. 

Monday's game is the eighth meeting between the programs. Purdue leads the series 6–1 and has won the last two, including an 83–64 result in West Lafayette in November 2024. The Jaguars will look to disrupt that trend by leaning on their returning experience and defensive pressure.

After the opener, IU Indy returns home Thursday to face SIUE at 6:30 p.m. in the new James T. Morris Arena.