NIU coach Jim Molinari would like to see an addition made to the impressive list of DeKalb tourist attractions—the world’s largest dog house.

uskie fans may know this newest member of the seven modern wonders of the world as Chick Evans Field House, home of the 14-10 Huskies.

The head huskie would like to make opposing teams feel like a siamese cat let loose in a kennel full of rabid pit-bulls when they set foot on the Huskies’ home court.

“I’ve said all along that this is the ‘Dog House’ and I want people to fear to come into the ‘Dog House’,” said Molinari.

The 33-year old facilty is named after George “Chick” Evans, NIU’s athletic director from 1929-68, and has proved to be a friendly environment for Molinari’s crew.

With Saturday’s 63-55 victory over Chicago State, the Huskies have built an 11-1 home record, one victory short of NIU’s most wins ever at the fieldhouse with two home dates remaining.

The 2,377 spectators who braved the harsh weather conditions Saturday night are what Molinari sees as the key ingredients towards building an unfriendly atmosphere for opponents at the “Dog House”.

“(The weather) was pretty bad out and to look up and see 2,400 people—that’s exciting. The students are starting to come out and support us a little more.

“We have two home games left, Maine and Wright State. Maine is obviously big—we want to win that one and keep our win streak going and Wright State has the top independent record. I’m looking to finish up our season winning at home, but we’ll need the same kind of support,” Molinari said.

The Huskies, however, have to hit the road in their next outing, a rematch against Eastern Illinois Monday night at 7:30.

The 10-13 Panthers felt the bite of the Huskies at the “Dog House” earlier this season, a 61-57 NIU victory.

“Eastern will be very tough because they have that revenge factor going,” said Molinari, “and we have (only) two days rest.”

Eastern Illinois, 3-7 in the AMCU, is led by 6-6 forward Dave Olson. The Panther sophomore set an AMCU and team record with nine three-pointers in Eastern’s win over Valparaiso last week.