When nearly every average NIU student will still be in bed sleeping, NIU men’s basketball will be tipping off.

At 7 a.m. today, the Huskies (0-1) will be squaring off against the Valparaiso Crusaders (1-0) as part of the ESPN College Hoops Tip-off Marathon, a 12-hour showing on ESPN that began at midnight today.

Coach Mark Montgomery has had his team in the Convocation Center practicing from 6 a.m. to 8 a.m. the last few days to prepare them for Tuesday’s contest.

“I want to make sure their minds and bodies are ready at that time in the morning,” Montgomery said. “Treat it like it’s a game day situation, where you have to get up by 4:45 a.m., get in the gym by 5 a.m. I want to give them that mental edge, but also that feeling of we’re going to be going full contact at this time.”

The game will be televised on national television on ESPN, in a stadium that Montgomery has heard should be full of fans as Valparaiso has done a large marketing job for the occasion.

Senior guard Antone Christian believes that NIU will need a strong focus on the preparation of such an unusual game to come out with a win.

“It’s gonna be very vital that we get our rest,” Christian said. “Most of us are used to going to bed by 10 or 11. It’s just discipline, to get the proper rest, be ready mentally, and bringing it to get the job done.”

The Huskies played against the Crusaders last season, in which they lost a low-scoring affair 59-48. Montgomery believes that while it is a new season, there are aspects to be pulled from that game.

“We have to play within our character,” Montgomery said. “What we do in practice we have to take to the game. Valpo has five returners coming back. We watched that film [from last year], there’s stuff we took from that game. We’re going to do what we do best. We’re not going to change our style and philosophy.”

Christian knows that Valparaiso provides a tough and unique challenge, in that they have a lot of leadership and chemistry.

“That team is mostly seniors,” Christian said. “They’re a seasoned, veteran team. It’s important for us to play disciplined and stick to our scheme of things. Not turn the ball over and definitely hit our free throws, especially on the road. They know the ins and outs, and we’re just a new team. We’re still learning each other and building that chemistry.”

While the game will still be played under the same rules of regulation and seemingly coached in the same fashion as all other games, this game holds a greater purpose according to Christian.

“It’s gonna be great publicity for not only our team but our university,” Christian said. “[It’s a chance] for people to get to know who NIU is, besides football. To know that our basketball team can makes strides as well.”