When thinking of the term cage match, usually the thought of UFC or the WWE comes to mind.

However, the term cage match has a different meaning to the NIU wrestling team: a meet against a MAC opponent.

“Coach Grant always says when it comes to MAC competition it’s a cage match, because it’s always gonna come down to the wire,” said NIU wrestler Pat Castillo, currently ranked No. 11 in the nation.

The Huskies (8-4 overall, 2-0 MAC) face their first big test in MAC competition tonight, when they take on No. 24 Kent State at 7 p.m. at the Convocation Center.

The Golden Flashes (9-4, 0-0) feature four wrestlers ranked in the top 25 in Drew Lashaway (141), Kurt Gross (165), Jermail Porter (HWT) and Dan Mitcheff (133).

The key match could be at 133 pounds between two wrestlers tied for the top ranking in the MAC. The match features NIU’s Castillo, who leads the nation in major decisions with 12, and KSU’s Mitcheff.

“Pat’s been a pretty dominant force in the conference,” NIU head coach Dave Grant said. “He’s pretty confident about how he’s performing right now.”

However, Mitcheff is questionable for the meet with an injury.

“We’re not sure if Dan is gonna be able to go,” Kent State head coach Jim Andrassy said. “We want to make sure he’s as close to 100 percent as possible.”

If Mitcheff is able to wrestle, the match should decide who claims the top spot in next month’s MAC rankings.

“It’s gonna be a big one,” Castillo said. “I’ve gotta go out there and be ready to perform.”

When NIU wrestled Kent State last season, the Huskies took a 9-0 lead before losing six of the last seven matches, which included a pin and a major decision. NIU lost that match 22-12.

Another key match will be at the heavyweight division, when KSU’s Porter takes on NIU’s David Benner. Benner has been on a roll, winning four straight matches. However, Porter defeated Benner 7-4 when the teams met last season.

“It’s definitely a key matchup for us,” Grant said. “From when we wrestled them last time, Dave’s made a big improvement in his style.”