Unveiling the Exciting Matchups: February MAC-Sun Belt Challenge Lineup Revealed!

CLEVELAND – The Mid-American Conference alongside the Sun Belt Conference revealed the pairings for the second round of the MAC-Sun Belt Challenge on Monday (Jan. 13). The NIU men’s basketball squad will welcome Louisiana, while the Huskie women’s basketball team will journey to Appalachian State; both contests are scheduled for Saturday, Feb. 8.

For the Huskie men’s basketball program, this season’s encounter with Louisiana marks the inaugural all-time meeting between the two institutions. NIU split its MAC-SBC Challenge contests last year, securing a victory against Appalachian State at home prior to losing at South Alabama. The Huskies were defeated by Georgia Southern in this year’s season opener in the event’s first phase. The Ragin’ Cajuns currently hold a record of 5-12 overall and 3-2 in Sun Belt competition under interim head coach Derrick Zimmerman. 

The NIU women’s basketball team will compete against Appalachian State for the first occasion in the program’s existence on Feb. 8. This marks NIU’s initial visit to North Carolina since February 1987, when the Huskies faced Duke and NC State. Historically, the Huskies have a 2-1 record in the MAC-SBC Challenge, having triumphed over Georgia Southern last season and Louisiana in this season’s opener at the NIU Convocation Center. Appalachian State is 8-7 for the year, with a 4-1 record in the Sun Belt.

Tickets for the NIU men’s basketball game against Louisiana and all upcoming Huskie men’s and women’s basketball matches are currently available at NIUHuskies.com/tickets or by phoning 815-753-PACK (7225).