The Belmont women’s basketball team is set to play some of the best teams in the country this season, including North Carolina State, Clemson and the University of Tennessee.
The Bruins’ schedule was released at an event Tuesday night.
Following their most successful season in program history, the Bruins are looking to win their fourth consecutive conference tournament behind second-year head coach Bart Brooks.
“Four years in a row sounds pretty good,” said senior Jenny Roy.
In the past two seasons, Belmont has won every single conference matchup.
The Bruins conference play will kick off Jan. 3 against Jacksonville State at the Curb Event Center.
Another important conference matchup for Belmont will take place on Feb. 2 against University of Tennessee at Martin. The Bruins beat UT Martin in last season’s OVC tournament final 63-56 in overtime.
The Bruins will also battle strong teams outside of the conference.
The defending Ohio Valley Conference champions will begin their season in Raleigh, North Carolina, as they take on Atlantic Coast Conference powerhouse NC State.
NC State finished in the Sweet 16 of the NCAA tournament last year and is ranked No. 21 in the Associated Press poll.
On Dec. 4, Belmont will host the annual Battle of the Boulevard against Lipscomb. The Bruins have won eight of the last nine matchups against the rival school.
On Dec. 30, the Bruins will face the University of Tennessee in Knoxville — one of the most celebrated teams in NCAA women’s basketball history. The team has already generated conversation as national championship favorites.
The Bruins will be led by seniors Darby Maggard and Jenny Roy. Maggard led the team in 3-point percentage last season and won the OVC tournament MVP.