A Trip to DeKalb for NIU Basketball-- Part 7: The Sad State of NIU Basketball

Like I said, the cost to get into the Convo Center for both games and sit in the general admission area (upper bowl) was $5.  Regular prices for a ticket to a women's game is $5 general admission and $8 (for the lower bowl).

Cost to attend the men's game is $8 general admission and $10 for lower bowl.

So, the $5 a ticket for two games was a really good deal.  This was a big attempt to fill the Convo and it was somewhat full.  Unfortunately, Huskie men's basketball has not been too successful over the years.

From 1968 to 1973 (my years) we were 95-71 and used to fill the Chick Evans Field House.  The next successful teams were from 1989 to 1971 when we went 42-17.  Then from 1994 to 1996 we were 39-20.  Other than that, it was losing season after losing season.

Current head coach Mark Montgomery is 122-161 since coming to Northern in 2011.  He inherited a program in shambles and only won 5 games in each of his first two seasons, often having to look for players as so many of the players quit.  His teams have improved, but he still has just one other winning season at 21-13.  This season he is 17-12.

Losing records don't draw crowds, especially with the students these days.  But, I am thinking perhaps we have turned the corner and happy days are here again (unless, of course, he leaves to go to a Power 5 school).

Pulling for Coach Montgomery.  --RoadDog