Kansas State, national champ Connecticut agree to women’s basketball series

MANHATTAN – Kansas State has agreed to a series of women’s basketball games with national champion Connecticut.

The Wildcats will travel to Connecticut next season on Nov. 23 and host the Huskies at Bramlage Coliseum the following season on a to-be-determined date.

“I wanted three things out of scheduling UConn,” K-State coach Jeff Mittie said. “A marquee opponent for our fans, a tremendous challenge for our team and a unique women’s basketball event.”

Mittie said the Wildcats agreed to the series after months of conversations. He targeted Connecticut as a possible opponent shortly after being hired. He hopes these games can start a trend of nonconference matchups against name opponents.

The series will not be easy, though. Connecticut has won the past three national championships, and 10 overall.

“It takes your best performance,” Mittie said about competing with Connecticut. “You are going to have to raise your level of play to a level you haven’t played at before. To beat them right now you have to play your very best game and be at your highest level at every minute of the game. And that still may not be enough.”

This story was originally published April 21, 2015 at 12:50 PM with the headline "Kansas State, national champ Connecticut agree to women’s basketball series."