The Associated Press

EST LAFAYETTE, Ind. - Women's college basketball is eager to show that the sport does not begin and end with Connecticut and Tennessee.

The first chance this season comes today at the Women's Tip-Off Classic.

The two traditional powers are not playing in the first event of the season, but that doesn't mean there won't be good basketball.

No. 2 Duke plays third-ranked Texas in the early game, followed by No. 5 Kansas State and seventh-ranked Purdue.

"You can say Tennessee and Connecticut have obviously won it, but there are a lot of folks knocking on the door," Purdue coach Kristy Curry said.

Though the Huskies and Volunteers have won seven of the last nine national titles, the participants in this field have played big games, too.

Duke and Texas advanced to the Final Four last season. Purdue won the title in 1999 and played in the 2001 Final Four, and Kansas State was ranked as high as second last season.

Monroe 66, Cincinnati State 61

The Lady Surge's loss ended their 55-game home winning streak. Crystal Norman led Cincinnati State with 20 points. Melissa Gathers had 18 points for Monroe.

The Lady Surge play Tuesday at Wabash Valley.