Columbia News

The University of Missouri women's basketball team will host the University of California in the upcoming ACC/SEC Challenge, according to an announcement from ESPN. The matchup is scheduled for December 4 at Mizzou Arena.

This event marks the first challenge game under new head coach Kellie Harper. Harper joined Missouri this offseason as the fifth head coach in program history. Over her 20-year career as a Division I head coach, she has achieved a 393-260 record, led teams to nine NCAA Tournament appearances, and secured four conference tournament championships. In the 2022-23 season, Harper guided the Lady Volunteers to their second consecutive NCAA Sweet 16.

Missouri's roster will feature junior Grace Slaughter, who was named the 2024-25 SEC Scholar-Athlete of the Year. Last season, Slaughter averaged 15 points per game—ranking her 18th in the SEC—and contributed 3.6 rebounds per game.

The Tigers have added seven transfers for the upcoming season: Chloe Sotell from Pepperdine, Jayla Smith from Purdue, Lisa Thompson from Rutgers, Sydney Mains from Florida Atlantic, Shannon Dowell from Illinois State, Jordana Reisma from Cleveland State, and Saniah Tyler from Kentucky.

California finished last season with a record of 25-9 and went 12-6 in ACC play before being eliminated by Mississippi State in the opening round of the NCAA Tournament. Junior guard Lulu Twidale leads Cal after averaging 13.2 points and 3.3 rebounds last year; she made 95 three-pointers—the second-most among sophomores nationally.

The ACC/SEC Challenge will include sixteen games across December 3 and December 4. Broadcasts will be available on ESPN platforms including ESPN2, ESPNU, ACC Network and SEC Network.

Last year’s women’s challenge ended in a tie (7-7), while the SEC won ten out of sixteen games in year two (10-6).

Details about coverage assignments and commentators are expected closer to the start of the college basketball season.

Season tickets for Missouri women’s basketball are now available starting at $65; current holders can renew through their Mizzou Tigers ticket account.

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