An early season battle for women's basketball supremacy in the state and a chance to take on national power Duke highlight the Missouri women's basketball team's 2001-02 non-conference schedule, which was released yesterday.

Throw in the second installment in the renewal of the Braggin' Rights game against Illinois and no one can accuse MU coach Cindy Stein of playing a soft schedule.

Jackie Stiles may be gone, but when SMS visits Columbia on Nov. 19, there will be plenty of excitement. The Tigers and Lady Bears haven't met on the hardwood since the 1990-91 season.

Also on the slate will be home games against Northern Iowa, Arkansas-Pine Bluff, and Wisconsin-Green Bay, as well as the 24th annual Unilever Lady Tiger Classic.

MU will play on the road at Missouri-Kansas City and Saint Louis in addition to the Duke Tournament. The Tigers will take on South Carolina in the first game.

The Tigers will open the season with a pair of exhibition games at home against Lincoln University on Nov. 2 and the Basketball Travelers on Nov. 9. The regular season begins on Nov. 16 at UMKC.

The Big 12 Conference schedule will be released in mid to late July.