The 1-1 NIU men’s basketball team faces its toughest challenge of the young season tonight at Chick Evans Field House against Montana State of the Big Sky Conference.

“It’s going to be a really exciting game,” said Huskie head coach Jim Molinari, regarding the 7 p.m. clash. “Montana State is a much different team then any we’ve played. They play 10 players and really run the ball up the floor. They’re an excellent team that has good shooters so I think it’s going to be a great challenge for our team.”

The 2-0 Bobcats are coming off back-to-back home-court victories over St. Martins, 95-81, and Southern Utah State, 89-88. Montana State is led by sharpshooting point-guard Alonzo Stephens. The 5-foot-10 senior is averaging 18.5 points per game and 5 assists per game. He also holds the Big Sky Conference record for three-pointers made and attempted in a season.

Last season, in the only meeting ever between the two schools, Montana State prevailed 93-75. Stephens led the way with 32 points, including six-of-eight shooting from three-point land. Coach Stu Starner brings a team to NIU that finished 14-15 last season and includes highly touted freshman Johnny Mack from St. Louis. Mack averaged 32.6 points and 13.4 rebounds per game in his final high school season.

The up-tempo style of the Bobcats presents the Huskies with a stiff challenge for its defense.

“We have to play our game,” said Molinari. “We play the best when we fight teams defensively. We need to get good shots in the half-court and that’s what we have to do to compete tonight.”

The game will mark the return of forward Andrew Wells, who missed Monday’s victory over Illinois Wesleyan. Wells suffered a concussion in the season opener at Iona.

“Andrew is back,” said Molinari. “He’s physically healed and he’ll be able to contribute.”

Going into tonight’s game, Molinari is satisfied by the effort his Huskies have shown in his inaugural season.

“I’m excited for our team. I think they showed a lot of character the other night. Even when we got down five or six, and Illinois Wesleyan was playing well, they came together and found a way to win the game. I really hope our team is getting more confidence. This is a great challenge; (Montana) is a really good team.”

The game will also feature the appearance of the San Diego Chicken. “It’s exciting to have the Chicken here,” said Molinari. “To me, the Chicken is a national figure. He’s kind of like apple pie and baseball. Everybody knows the Chicken and he does a great job.”

Molinari hopes the field house will be filled for tonight’s game by basketball as well as Chicken fans. “I just hope we can get our student body to come out and support the team because this would be a great win for us.”