Report: IU basketball to host Northern Kentucky on Dec. 22

The details of Indiana’s 2021-22 non-conference schedule continue to trickle out.

According to public records obtained by D1 Docket, Indiana will host Northern Kentucky on Dec. 22 at Simon Skjodt Assembly Hall in Bloomington, Ind.  The report indicates IU will pay $85,000 to Northern Kentucky as part of the agreement.

The game is the third confirmed non-conference opponent for Indiana out of 11 in total.  IU will also host Merrimack, and face Notre Dame in Indianapolis.  Additionally, the Hoosiers will play in the Big Ten – ACC Challenge, and could also face a Big East opponent in the Gavitt Games.

Northern Kentucky finished the the 2020-21 season with a 14-11 record, winning eight of their last 11 games.  Hailing from the Horizon League, the Norse finished No. 206 nationally according to KenPom.com.  They had been a formidable mid-major for the four prior seasons, compiling four straight campaigns with at least 22 wins and a 95-39 overall record during that span.  NKU reached the NCAA Tournament in both 2017 and 2019.  It has been a strong run for the Norse, especially when considering the program only became a full NCAA Division One member in 2016.

Head coach Darrin Horn will be entering his third season at Northern Kentucky.  He formally was the head coach at South Carolina (2009-2012) and Western Kentucky (2004-2008).

Northern Kentucky was led in scoring by guards Trevon Faulkner (16.7 ppg) and Marques Warrick (15.8 ppg).  Both players appear to be returning for the upcoming season.

The December contest will be the first ever meeting between IU and Northern Kentucky.

Here is what is known about the 2021-22 IU basketball schedule as of this writing:

• Merrimack:  Home game, date TBD.
• Northern Kentucky:  Dec. 22 (Bloomington)
• Gavitt Tip-off Games:  TBD if Indiana is selected for 2021-22.
• Big Ten-ACC Challenge: TBD.  Should be a home game.  Announced summer 2021.
• Crossroads Classic: vs. Notre Dame, at Bankers Life Fieldhouse.
• Big Ten Regular Season: 

Home & Away – Maryland, Minnesota, Nebraska, Ohio State, Penn State, Purdue, Wisconsin
Home Only – Illinois, Michigan, Rutgers
Away Only – Iowa, Michigan State, Northwestern

• Big Ten Tournament:  Indianapolis, Bankers Life Fieldhouse.

Find us on Facebook:  thedailyhoosier