DeKALB — The NIU men’s basketball team released its 2019 game schedule Wednesday, with 16 home contests.

The Huskies will look to improve off their even 17-17 record last season, including a 10-6 home record. NIU opens its season Nov. 9 at home against the University of Northern Iowa. The Huskies’ first road game comes Nov. 12 against Iowa State University.

The Huskies will play three home games in a four day span starting Nov. 15 against Coppin State, then Nov. 16 against Rockford University and a game Nov. 18 against Longwood University.

NIU also plays two in-state road games against Western Illinois University and Southern Illinois University – Edwardsville, as well as a home game against the University of Oakland to close its November schedule.

NIU’s December schedule will prove to be a challenge, with four road games against the likes of Saint Mary’s on Dec. 5 and Pittsburgh on Dec. 16. NIU will host one game at the Convocation Center Dec. 21 against University of Wisconsin–Green Bay.

Mid-American Conference play for the Huskies starts Jan. 4 with a road game against the University of Buffalo Bulls. NIU upset Buffalo in DeKalb last season for its first win over a ranked team since 1974.

The Eastern Michigan Eagles will be NIU’s first home MAC opponent on Jan. 11, followed by a Jan. 14 game against Akron.

NIU will host a pair of MAC opponents at the end of January as well. The Western Michigan Broncos will come to DeKalb on Jan. 25, while the Ohio University Bobcats will play a mid-week game Jan. 28 at the Convocation Center.

The Huskies will host three conference home games in February. NIU will play Feb. 1 against Miami University of Ohio, Kent State University on Feb. 8 and Central Michigan University on Feb. 22.

NIU closes its MAC regular season schedule March 3 and March 6 with home games against University of Toledo and Ball State University, respectively.

On the following Monday, March 9, the first round of the MAC Tournament will begin with games at the home team’s court. The tournament quarterfinals, semifinals and championship game will take place in Cleveland, Ohio from March 12 to March 14.