The NIU men’s basketball team travels south to kick off its 2008-09 regular season.

The Huskies face Maine and Western Illinois in the 100 Club Classic hosted by Kennesaw State University in Kennesaw, Ga.

NIU squares off with Maine today at 4 p.m. and takes on either WIU or KSU Saturday evening in the championship/consolation round.

Like the Huskies, Maine boasts a roster full of freshmen.

The Black Bears return eight letter-winners from last season but feature six freshmen on their roster.

WIU returns six players from last season while head coach Jim Molinari makes his debut with the Leathernecks.

WIU finished the 2007-08 season 12-18 overall record with a 7-11 record in the Summit League.

Host KSU finished in seventh place in its conference with a 10-20 overall record and 3-11 conference record.