DeKALB — Non-conference play will take place for the men’s basketball team, as the Huskies are set to host three opponents from outside the Mid-American Conference.

The University of Illinois–Chicago, Southern Illinois–Edwardsville and Chicago State will each make a stop at the NIU Convocation Center beginning on Nov. 25 with UIC. The reigning MAC West Division champions will then host SIUE Dec. 2 and Chicago State Dec. 18.

The Huskies will play six non-conference games for the 2020-21 NCAA season, with their three road games being released at a later date.

“I’m excited about our non-conference, home schedule and getting the opportunity to play three in-state schools from three different leagues,”Head Coach Mark Montgomery said in an Oct. 29 NIU Athletics news release. “It is good to get UIC, from the Horizon League, back on the schedule and continue that rivalry with an opponent just down the road.”

NIU last faced UIC during the 2017-18 season on Dec. 21, 2017, in DeKalb. The Huskies defeated the Flames 69-63, led by former NIU guard Dante Thorpe with 21 points. Former forward Levi Bradley tossed in an 18 point 10 rebound performance, while former  guard Eugene German added 13 points.

Fans will be prohibited from attending non-conference games, and it’s currently unclear whether fans will be allowed for MAC games. However, fans can attend these games — as cutouts.

Fans will be able to purchase a $60 cutout of themselves that will remain inside the NIU Convocation center for the entirety of the 2020-21 season. Revenue generated by the cutouts will benefit the Huskie Athletic Fund, supporting the student athletes and NIU Athletics’ COVID-19 relief efforts.

Season tickets for conference games are still available for purchase at NIUHuskies.com/MyHuskies, or by calling the NIU Ticket Office.