OTTAWA, Kan. -  The Ottawa University men's basketball team will open its 2023-24 season with an exhibition contest against NCAA Division I opponent the University of Illinois. The game will take place at the State Farm Center on Friday, Oct. 20 in Champaign, Ill. on the eve of the Illinois Homecoming football game versus Wisconsin.  This is Ottawa's first exhibition contest against a NCAA Division I team since the Braves played the Kansas City University on Jan. 31, 2017.
 
Former Ottawa University men's basketball player and golfer, Joey Biggs, is a member of the basketball staff at Illinois as the Assistant Athletic Director for Basketball. He was instrumental in putting together the exhibition game between the Braves and Fighting Illini. Biggs was an assistant coach for former OU head men's basketball coach, Andy Carrier. Biggs nephew, Jackson Biggs, is a freshman on the OU men's basketball team
 
"This is a special opportunity for our program," said Ottawa University men's basketball coach Aaron Siebenthall. "I would like to thank Coach Underwood for agreeing to host us for this exhibition. This game doesn't happen without Joey Biggs. Joey is an example of a great Ottawa University alum finding a way to make a positive impact on his alma mater. We cannot thank him enough for his continual support of our program. I know our players are very excited. My message to them will be to enjoy every minute of this experience that is truly a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity." 
 
Tickets to the exhibition game will go on sale in October. You can check www.fightingillini.com for updates.