NIACC women face Illinois Central in opener

MASON CITY - Over the past several seasons, the NIACC women's basketball team has developed a rivalry with Illinois Central.

That rivalry resumes Friday at the Konigsmark Klassic. Game time is set for 6 p.m. in the NIACC gym.

Both teams enter Friday's contest ranked in the NJCAA Division II top 10. Illinois Central is ranked seventh and the Lady Trojans are 10th in the preseason poll.

NIACC and Illinois Central have played each other 11 times over the past five seasons with the Cougars holding a 6-5 advantage.

The NIACC women have beat Illinois Central five straight times at the Konigsmark Klassic, including a 99-82 win in last season's season opener.

The two teams played each other four times in the 2015-16 season, including a game at the NJCAA Division II national tournament.

NIACC VS. ILLINOIS CENTRAL RECENT HISTORY 

2013-14

NIACC 101, Illinois Central 86

Illinois Central 82, NIACC 81

2014-15

NIACC 87, Illinois Central 79

Illinois Central 89, NIACC 72

2015-16

NIACC 84, Illinois Central 76 (OT)

Illinois Central 86, NIACC 75

Illinois Central 87, NIACC 54

Illinois Central 85, NIACC 71 (NJCAA Division II national tournament)

2016-17

NIACC 95, Illinois Central 76

2017-18

NIACC 99, Illinois Central 82

Illinois Central 66, NIACC 62