Main Story

Indiana State opens its 2026-27 women’s basketball season Monday at Northern Illinois, beginning a three-game road trip and Marc Mitchell’s third season as head coach. The Sycamores bring a deep, decorated roster into the opener, while NIU starts a new chapter in the Horizon League.

By the Numbers
  • 9 Sycamores have earned all-conference honors at previous collegiate stops.
  • 5 newcomers have earned All-America recognition.
  • Indiana State ranked third nationally in bench scoring last season, averaging 31.8 points per game.
  • In three preseason scrimmages, the Sycamores made 92 of 119 free throws (77.3%) and attempted 46 more than their opponents.
  • NIU went 7-23 overall and 4-14 in conference play last season; Indiana State leads the series 3-5 and won the teams’ last meeting, 69-61.
Yes, But

Indiana State has plenty of individual accolades and championship experience, but much of that talent is new to the program. The Sycamores are also seeking their first season-opening win since 2023-24 and have never won at NIU.

State of Play
  • Monday’s game tips at 7 p.m. ET in DeKalb and will stream on ESPN+.
  • The opener is the fourth consecutive season these teams have met.
  • NIU returns leading scorer and rebounder Nevaeh Wingate, who averaged 13.5 points and 5.7 rebounds per game last season.
What’s Next

After visiting NIU, Indiana State heads to New Jersey to face Seton Hall on Friday and Rutgers on Nov. 8. Both will be first-time opponents for the Sycamores.

Bottom Line

Indiana State starts the season with a demanding road test, relying on a roster rich in proven talent to turn its promise into an early win.