DEKALB, Ill. – The Northern Illinois University men's basketball team heads to Columbia, Mo., on Thursday, Nov. 18, to face the Missouri Tigers in the opening game of the Jacksonville Classic by Fabletics. Tip against Missouri is slated for 7 p.m. and will be available on SEC Network+ and ESPN+. 

NIU takes a 1-1 record to Columbia, Mo., after falling at Indiana (Nov. 12) following its season-opening victory at Washington (Nov. 9). Keshawn Williams (Chicago Heights, Ill./Tulsa) netted a career-high 21 points against the Hoosiers, including 9-of-11 from the free-throw line. 

Williams is one of two Huskies scoring in double figures, with Trendon Hankerson (Novi, Mich./Novi) leading the way at 15.5 points per game and Williams adding 13.5 points per contest. Anthony Crump (Inkster, Mich./Middle Tennessee) is adding 8.5 points and a team-best 7.5 rebounds per game. 

The Tigers bring a 1-1 overall record into Thursday's contest following an 80-66 setback against Kansas City on Monday night (Nov. 15). Four players are scoring in double figures for the Tigers through two games, led by 15.0 points per game from Kobe Brown. Javon Pickett and Ronnie DeGray III are both averaging 13.5 points per game and Jarron Coleman, a transfer from Ball State, is adding 10.0 points per contest.

Thursday's matchup will be the third all-time between NIU and Missouri. The Tigers have won each of the first two meetings, both played in Columbia.

Following Thursday's contest, NIU will travel to Jacksonville, Fla., to compete in the "Jax Bracket" at the Jacksonville Classic by Fabletics. The Huskies will face Boston University on Sunday, Nov. 21, at 11 a.m. CT, and then will meet either Little Rock or Sam Houston State on Monday, Nov. 22.

Season tickets for the 2021-22 basketball season are on sale now beginning at just $80 for Huskieland general admission tickets in sections 115-118 (minimum of four tickets required to purchase). Reserved season tickets for Huskie men's basketball are available for $120. Season tickets can be purchased online at NIUHuskies.com/MyHuskies or by calling the NIU Athletics Ticket Office at 815-753-PACK (7225). Courtside and Nelson Club premium ticket options are also available through the Huskie Athletic Fund or by calling, 815-753-1923. NIU will host Eastern Illinois in its regular season home opener on Wednesday, Dec. 1.