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As was initially reported by the Chicago Tribune's Teddy Greenstein in December and later confirmed by CBS Sports's Jon Rothstein back in April, Northwestern is officially set to take on the Dayton Flyers on Dec. 17, in what will be called the "State Farm Chicago Legends."
Chicago’s Big Ten Team will take the city’s biggest stage at the @Chilegends. https://t.co/6I1YUgV2YH#B1GCats https://t.co/UVHYIk2y88
— NU Men's Basketball (@NUMensBball) June 2, 2016
Along with Northwestern's matchup with Dayton, Illinois will square off against BYU in the other game of the doubleheader.
No television or time details have been announced as of yet.
Said Chris Collins in a statement:
Having played high school basketball in the Chicagoland area and watching my father coach the Bulls, I know just how important the sport is to the city. The State Farm Chicago Legends is a fantastic opportunity to not only feature great college basketball, but also highlight the incredible contributions so many Chicagoans have had in the sport. It's an honor for Chicago's Big Ten Team to be part of this inaugural event.
This should be an awesome test for Northwestern. Dayton (25-8, 14-4 in the Atlantic 10 last season) is always one of the top mid-majors in the country. The Flyers should provide a tough challenge for Northwestern. Also, playing in a professional stadium is cool (assuming the building fills up).
Northwestern is now officially set to play Dayton, DePaul, Wake Forest, Bryant, Butler, and two of Notre Dame, Texas, and Colorado. The schedule being put together looks like one that could be a help come March rather than the hindrance it was last season.