The Associated Press

IOWA CITY - Iowa released its non-conference schedule for the upcoming season Tuesday, a slate of matchups that should help ease the inexperienced Hawkeyes into Big Ten play.

Iowa, under new coach Todd Lickliter, opens Nov. 9 against Idaho State in the first of four straight home games. The Hawkeyes will also host Northern Colorado, Florida Gulf Coast and Maryland-Eastern Shore before facing Bradley and either Vanderbilt or Utah State in a tournament in South Padre, Texas.

Iowa's biggest test in non-conference play appears to be a Nov. 26 matchup against visiting Wake Forest. The Deacons, who lost coach Skip Prosser to a heart attack in July, are expected to be back on the rise thanks to a strong recruiting class.

The Hawkeyes travel to Northern Iowa and Iowa State as part of the state's "Big Four" series and host Drake and Southeastern Louisiana.

Iowa lost its top two players, Adam Haluska and Tyler Smith, from last year's team, which finished 17-14 and did not receive a postseason bid. The Hawkeyes return only three players - Tony Freeman, Justin Johnson and Seth Gorney - who averaged more than five points a game in 2006-07.

Iowa's non-conference schedule

Nov. 1 - Simpson College, exhibition

Nov. 9 - Idaho State

Nov. 14 - Northern Colorado

Nov. 18 - Florida Gulf Coast

Nov. 20 - Maryland-Eastern Shore

Nov. 23-24 - South Padre Invitational

Nov. 26 - Wake Forest

Nov. 30-Dec. 1 - Hawkeye Challenge (Iowa, Eastern Illinois, Rice, Louisiana-Monroe)

Dec. 5 - At Northern Iowa

Dec. 8 - At Iowa State

Dec. 14 - Drake

Dec. 29 - Southeastern Louisiana