KELOWNA, B.C. – The UBCO Heat women's basketball team will face a stern test to open up their 2026-27 season next month as they are set to face the Texas Tech Lady Raiders, an NCAA Division I program from the Big 12 Conference, on Monday, August 10 at the Langley Events Centre.
 
The showdown with the Lady Raiders will mark the second time UBCO has taken on NCAA opposition after facing the Nevada Wolf Pack to open the 2023-24 season.
 
"As a group we are all excited for this opportunity," said Heat head coach Bobby Mitchell. "We want to embrace challenges and push ourselves and playing Texas Tech will give us those opportunities and ultimately prepare us for challenges ahead."
 
The Heat are coming off a season in which they matched their best-ever program finish in the Canada West playoffs. UBCO posted a 10-10 regular season record before defeating the Brandon Bobcats 86-70 in the Canada West play-in round to advance to the conference quarter-finals. The Heat would fall to the Regina Cougars 74-48 to halt their playoff run.
 
UBCO will feature their entire roster from last season, minus graduating senior Aiko Williams and Nevena Nogic, who transferred out of the program. The Heat will also have incoming rookies Shae Sandhu and Iyin Aina available to suit up.
 
Meanwhile, the Lady Raiders tied for fourth in the Big 12 regular season standings last year with a 12-6 record but had an overall record of 26-8 including non-conference play. Texas Tech lost in the opening round of the conference playoffs but still advanced to the NCAA tournament as a seven-seed. After defeating No. 10 Villanova in the opening round, they lost in the round of 32 to No. 2 LSU 101-47.
 
Texas Tech returns just two players from their roster last season, including guard Jalynn Bristow and forward Stephanie Okechukwu
 
Entrance to the game will be free of charge for fans looking to attend.