Though the Big Ten has 12 members and the Big 12 has 10 this year, the conferences kept something consistent that makes sense — the Big 12/Big Ten Women’s Basketball Challenge will be back.

The inter-conference series began in 2010 and features a home-and-home format over a two-year agreement. Texas Tech will represent the Big 12 in two games while Big Ten member Nebraska will sit out in 2011 due to the uneven distribution of teams among the two leagues. The Big Ten won last’s challenge, 7-5.

“The Big 12/Big Ten Challenge serves as a great showcase for both conferences’ women’s basketball programs,” said Big Ten Associate Commissioner Andrea Williams. “Year two provides the opportunity for re-matches, and we are looking forward to competitive and exciting games.”

Texas will look to make their inter-league game against Michigan State on Dec. 10 in Austin a little more exciting than last year’s beating in East Lansing. The Longhorns lost 71-57.

The other match-ups are as follows.

2011 Big 12/Big Ten Challenge:

Baylor at Minnesota
Iowa State at Michigan
Wisconsin at Kansas
Iowa at Kansas State
Northwestern at Missouri
Ohio State at Oklahoma
Penn State at Texas Tech
Texas A&M at Purdue
Oklahoma State at Indiana
Michigan State at Texas
Texas Tech vs. Illinois (Chicago)

**Texas Tech will play two games in the 2011 Challenge.