By JOHN BOHNENKAMP

Western Illinois gets a home nonconference game against a Power 4 team as part of this season’s women’s basketball schedule.

The entire schedule was announced Thursday. The Ohio Valley Conference portion of the schedule was announced in July.

The Leathernecks play host to Southeastern Conference foe Missouri on November 15 at Western Hall.

It’s the 15th matchup between the two teams and the fourth time the schools have played in Macomb, the last time in 2018. Missouri leads the all-time series, 13-1.

After two exhibition games against McKendree (October 24) and Dubuque (October 30), Western Illinois opens the season on November 5 with a home game against Culver-Stockton.

The Leathernecks play two former Summit League opponents after that — at Omaha on November 10 and Kansas City at home on November 12.

Western Illinois follows that with a four-game road stretch — at Chicago State (November 18), Bradley (November 24), Cincinnati (December 6) and St. Thomas (December 14).

After two games to open OVC play — at home against Tennessee Tech on December 17 and at Lindenwood December 21 — the Leathernecks close their nonconference schedule with a home game against Clarke on December 30.

“This season’s nonconference is significantly more challenging than the last few years, and specifically designed to help prepare us better for the level and style of play of the OVC,” Western Illinois coach JD Gravina said. “With two Power 5 teams (Cincinnati and Mizzou), several Summit league games (Omaha, UMKC, St. Thomas), and some regional rivalry games (Bradley, Chicago State) our fan base should have a great opportunity to see who we are as a team in November and December.”

Photo: Mallory McDermott (right) is one of eight returning players for Western Illinois this season. (Richard Carlson/Inertia)