A 13‑game non‑conference roadmap
The Sun Devil women's basketball team has locked in a 13‑game non‑conference schedule for the 2026‑27 campaign, a slate that blends home‑court comfort with challenging road trips. The announcement comes as the program rides the momentum of a historic 15‑0 start last season, a stretch that set a new benchmark for ASU basketball.
The first test will be a home showdown with Jackson State on November 2, kicking off a season that promises to be both a celebration of past success and a proving ground for new ambitions. The schedule was partly shaped by last year’s 13‑0 run, which featured signature wins over Gonzaga, Santa Clara, Oregon State and Penn State.
Opening night and early expectations
Fans can mark their calendars for the November 2 opener, a game that will test the team’s readiness against a disciplined Jackson State squad. The matchup is more than a season opener; it is a chance to gauge how the Sun Devils translate their offseason improvements into early‑season performance.
Beyond the opener, the non‑conference slate includes a mix of home games against familiar foes such as Iowa State, Texas Tech, TCU, Baylor, Cincinnati and West Virginia, while road trips will take the team to BYU, Kansas, Kansas State, Oklahoma State, Houston and UCF. Each contest is an opportunity to climb the early rankings and cement a spot in the national conversation.
Key contributors ready to lead
The team’s offensive engine will be senior forward McKinna Brackens, who posted a career‑high 14.4 points and 6.4 rebounds per game last season. Her consistent production will be vital as the Sun Devils aim to maintain their unbeaten streak.
Equally important is sophomore center Heloisa Carrera, whose 10.4 points per game and 53.8% field‑goal shooting represent a marked improvement from the previous year. Carrera’s efficiency inside the paint adds a reliable scoring option that complements Brackens’ all‑around game.
Looking ahead to the Big 12 slate
While the non‑conference schedule sets the stage, the true test will arrive when the Big 12 schedule is released in September. Dates, times and television selections will be announced then, but the early non‑conference results will shape the team’s confidence heading into conference play.