Purdue and Maryland have not met for over 11 years in women’s basketball, but throughout that course of time, both programs have remained strong and in the national spotlights. With the 2008 ACC/Big 10 challenge match ups released today, they will get a chance to see who’s program has come along the most as they square off in one of the marquee matchups of the annual head-to-head competition. Both teams figure to finish in the top three of their conference and preseason wise should be pretty high up there in the national rankings as well, so if you get a chance, don’t miss this game.

The 2008 challenge will open on Wednesday, Dec. 3, as Georgia Tech hosts Michigan State, Ohio State will play at home versus North Carolina, and Florida State takes on Penn State. Thursday, Dec. 4, will feature 6 great game as Clemson hosts Northwestern, the Purdue-Maryland tangle, Illinois squares off against Virginia, Minnesota plays host to Boston College, Duke is at home versus Iowa, and Wisconsin faces Virginia Tech. The challenge wraps up on Friday, Dec. 5, as Michigan hosts NC State and Miami welcomes Indiana.

At least the Big 10 seems to have a fighting chance in the women’s basketball competition than the men–historically, the ACC has the edge at 37-31, but that’s much better than the dominance the ACC has shown on the men’s side.

Picture Source: AP