DEKALB, Ill. – The Northern Illinois University men's basketball team heads on the road for the first time in league play as the Huskies open 2026 at Kent State on Saturday afternoon, Jan. 3. Tip-off against the Golden Flashes is set for 12 p.m. CT and will be available on ESPN+ and WDKB 94-9 FM.

NIU closed 2025 with an 81-67 setback against Buffalo. The Bulls shot 49.1 percent (27-of-55) from the field and made 11 triples to secure the road win. Dylan Ducommun (Geneva, Switzerland) led the Huskies with 19 points, Ducommon is averaging 15.4 points per game over the last five games. 

Makhai Valentine (Munhall, Pa./Steel Valley) extended his streak of double-figure scoring games to eight with 11 points against Buffalo. Valentine is averaging 13.3 points and 6.1 rebounds per game over those eight contests. 

Taj Walters (Bronx, N.Y./Moravian Prep) tied his career-high with 13 points against Buffalo. Walters has netted 13 points in each of NIU's first two conference games. 

The Golden Flashes bring a 10-3 overall record into Saturday's contest, including a 1-0 league mark. Kent State opened conference play with a 69-59 win over UMass on Dec. 20, the Golden Flashes fell at Purdue, 101-60, last time out (Dec. 29). Four players score in double figures for Kent State, led by 18.5 points per game from Delrecco Gillespie.

Kent State ranks 13th nationally in scoring at 91.7 points per game. The Golden Flashes make 10.8 triples per contest, 21st nationally, and 19.5 free throws per game, which ranks 26th in the country.

The Golden Flashes have won four-straight games in the series, including a 68-50 win in the lone meeting last season (Jan. 7, 2025) in DeKalb. NIU is looking for its first win at Kent State since Jan. 11, 2022. 

Following Saturday's contest, the Huskies will return home on Tuesday, Jan. 6, when they host Toledo. Tickets for Tuesday's contest are available now at NIUHuskies.com/tickets.