TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (Seminoles.com) – The Florida State Women’s Basketball team has finalized its 2016-17 non-conference schedule, and among the highlights is an early-season home contest against four-time defending NCAA champion Connecticut.
The Seminoles play 13 non-conference games in the upcoming season, none more daunting than their scheduled matchup against the Huskies on Monday, Nov. 14, at the Donald L. Tucker Center. The game will serve as UConn’s season opener, and a time for the game has yet to be determined.
Among the other notables for the non-conference slate is a seven-game home schedule that includes Jacksonville State in an afternoon season opener (Friday, Nov. 11, at noon), Jacksonville (Thursday, Nov. 17), James Madison (Sunday, Nov. 20), Western Carolina (Sunday, Dec. 4), Florida (Thursday, Dec. 8) and UNF (Monday, Dec. 19).
“We’ve really challenged ourselves again with some tough teams in non-conference play,” FSU head coach Sue Semrau said. “There are several teams who made the NCAA Tournament last year and will provide an excellent test for us before we begin ACC play. A lot of competitive basketball will be played this year at the Tucker Center. Our fans won’t want to miss any of the action.”
The season opener vs. Jacksonville State occurs on the same day as FSU Football’s Friday night home game against Boston College at 7:30 p.m., which is also Veteran’s Day. Fans are encouraged to stop by the Donald L. Tucker Center for the season opener before venturing over to Doak Campbell Stadium.
The Seminoles and Gators will face off for the 77th time in December. FSU has won the last three contests against one of its in-state rivals at home, winning in Tallahassee in 2014 (77-51), 2012 (98-67) and 2010 (74-72).
The non-conference schedule is completed with six road and neutral-site matchups. As previously announced, FSU will travel to the U.S. Virgin Islands for a Thanksgiving tournament at the Paradise Jam on Nov. 24-26. FSU faces Winthrop on Thanksgiving night at 6:45 p.m., Gonzaga on Nov. 25 at 6:45 p.m. and Michigan on Nov. 26 at 9 p.m.
The Seminoles will also face Minnesota on the road on Wednesday, Nov. 30, as part of the ACC/B1G Challenge.
Rounding out the non-ACC schedule is a pair of homecoming trips for two major contributors. On Saturday, Dec. 10, junior forwardShakayla Thomas will return not too far away from her home of Sylacauga, Ala., to face UAB.
On Wednesday, Dec. 21, senior Ivey Slaughter goes back to her hometown of Macon, Ga., as the Seminoles take on Mercer.
Not included in the regular season schedule is a home exhibition on Sunday, Nov. 6, against an opponent to be named later.
Game times will be announced once finalized in the summer.
Included in FSU’s non-conference schedule are five teams who made the 2016 NCAA Tournament in UConn, Jacksonville, James Madison, Minnesota and Florida. Jacksonville recorded a historic season, making the Big Dance for the first time in program history. James Madison was dominant in the Colonial Athletic Association, finishing 27-6 overall and 17-1 in the conference.
Mercer also enjoyed a tremendous year in 2015-16, finishing 24-9 overall and 12-2 in the Southern Conference before bowing out in the WNIT.
Season tickets for the 2016-17 season are on sale now for what will be Semrau’s 20th season as head coach of the Garnet and Gold. Tickets are once again very affordable and come with excellent perks for both reserved section and general admission seat holders.
Florida State’s full schedule which includes the ACC portion will not be released until later this summer.
