With its nonconference slate already set, Northern Iowa completed its 2017-18 schedule Tuesday by releasing the Missouri Valley Conference portion.
The Panthers will open league play Dec. 28 against Southern Illinois, followed by early road trips to Bradley (Dec. 31) and Missouri State (Jan. 4). Valparaiso will make its first visit to the McLeod Center as an MVC member Jan. 13, with the Panthers' return trip coming Feb. 20.
The first of UNI’s two in-state conference matchups comes Jan. 16 when the Panthers host Drake. UNI will head to the Knapp Center on Feb. 10. A visit from defending regular-season champ Illinois State caps the first half of the conference slate Jan.