Northwestern has some big scheduling news for the 2017-18 season. According to reports by Jon Rothstein, the Wildcats will play Oklahoma on the road next year in addition to competing in the Hall of Fame Tip Off tournament.
Northwestern will also get a return game from Oklahoma at the new Welsh-Ryan Arena during the 2018-19 season.
Northwestern and Oklahoma each return four starters next season. Although the Sooners finished 9th in the Big 12, they rank No. 62 in Kenpom. So this could be a NCAA Tournament team next season.
In the Hall of Fame Tip Off, Northwestern joins Boston College, Texas Tech and La Salle as the headliners. The mid-major bracket comprises Sacred Heart, Maine, St. Peter’s and South Alabama.
Boston College is about to finish its sixth straight losing season, but Texas Tech is another Big 12 program on the rise. Chris Beard had the Red Raiders on the NCAA Tournament bubble before they went 3-9 in their final 12 conference games.
As a top 40 KenPom team with its top two scorers returning, Texas Tech could have a shot at the NCAA Tournament again next year.
In other local scheduling news, Rothstein reported Illinois will face New Mexico State at the United Center next season.
