Although the Huskies schedule this season features teams as diverse as Minnesota and the Maine Black Bears, Molinari’s squad has a long way to go to match some of the colorful NIU opponents of the past. Among the teams that have graced the Huskies schedule since 1900 are: Eureka (alma mater of Ronald Reagan), Wartburg, Kent Law School, Tarkio, Gustavus Adolphus, St. Bedes, New Mexico Highlands and the ever-dangerous Sparks Business College.

As of Monday, the Huskies’ Division I opponents have a 235-235 record this season. Southern Illinois (21-5) and Wright State (18-5) have the best records and both beat the Huskies, 71-56 and 66-47, respectively. NIU has beaten four teams that have winning records, with UIC and Western Illinois having identical 14-9 records topping that list.

In 11 home dates the Huskies have drawn 21,672 fans for a 1,970 average. The top attendance of 4,062 was against Montana State in a game that featured an appearance by The Famous Chicken. Through their first 11 road games, the Huskies have appeared in front of 46,671 spectators for a 4,242 average. The biggest turnout to see a Huskie game this season was 12,603 at Minnesota.

Donnell “D-Train” Thomas has been the leading scorer in 18 of 23 contests this season. The 6-4 junior has been named Huskie Player of the Week 15 times in his career. Thomas, averaging over 15 points per game in his NIU career, has moved into the number eight spot on the all-time NIU scoring list.

With three home games left, the Huskies 10-1 record at Chick Evans Field House has already equalled the most home-wins for an NIU squad since 1978-79’s 12-1 mark. If the Huskies manage to win their remaining fieldhouse games, their 13-1 home record would be the best in NIU history.

First-year coach Jim Molinari has already led his team to the most victories in an inaugural season since Ralph McKinzie led the Huskies to a 16-3 mark in 1940-41.

In the what-a-difference-a-year-makes category, the Huskies’ nationally fifth-ranked defense has allowed over 80 points only once this season, contrasted to 15 opponents last season that surpassed the 80 point mark.