The 2002-03 Illinois State mens basketball non-conference schedule went down in flames, so to speak, with the finalizing of the contract to face Illinois-Chicago in Redbird Arena on Saturday, November 30.
The Flames are coming off of an NCAA Tournament appearance and a 20-14 season. UIC finished sixth during the regular season of the Horizon League, but won the conference tournament before falling to Oklahoma 71-62, in the first round of the NCAAs.
Head coach Tom Richardson is pleased to have UIC back on the Illinois State slate.
Having teams like UIC and Northern Illinois on the schedule is good for our program and the fans, Richardson said. Each school has a strong alumni base in the state of Illinois and there is always good energy surrounding an in-state rivalry.
The game against UIC is the eighth and final non-conference match-up for the Birds, which open the regular season on November 23 at Redbird Arena against Utah State.
The game against the Flames will be the first since 1999, when the Redbirds dropped a 61-59 decision in Chicago. The Birds have never faced UIC and NIU in the same season.
The starting time for the non-conference games have yet to be determined and the complete Valley schedule should be released by the middle of August.
Season tickets are on sale and additional ticket information is available by contacting the Redbird Arena Ticket Office at 309/438-8000.
2002-03 Illinois State Non-Conference Schedule
Date Opponent
Sat., Nov. 23 UTAH STATE
Tue., Nov. 26 at Central Michigan
Sat., Nov. 30 ILLINOIS-CHICAGO
Mon., Dec. 2 CHATTANOOGA
Sat., Dec. 7 at Kent State
Sun., Dec. 15 at Western Kentucky
Wed., Dec. 18 JACKSONVILLE
Sat., Dec. 21 NORTHERN ILLINOIS
Sat., Feb. 22 at TBA^
^ Bracket-Busters
