Boston University and Northwestern will meet Monday, Nov. 9, 2026, at 8 p.m. ET at Welsh-Ryan Arena in Evanston, Illinois, with both teams entering the game at 2-0. It is an early-season matchup between programs that both improved quickly out of the gate, and the unbeaten start adds a little more weight to a November game that is still in the opening stretch of the season.
For Boston University, sophomore forward Sam Hughes has been one of the key early-season performers. Through two games, he has averaged 14.5 points a night and started both contests, giving the Terriers a steady scoring option to build around. That kind of production has helped Boston University avoid the slow start that can sometimes come with a new season.
Early production to watch
Hughes is not the only Boston University player making an impact. Azmar Abdullah has opened the season with 15 points in a 93-85 win, then added 14 points and two blocks in a 72-67 victory. He also hit nine of 10 free-throw attempts in 35 minutes in one of those games, showing how his efficiency has mattered in tight spots.
Jake West has also given Boston University another useful early piece. He scored 21 points in one game and seven points in the other, while also doing enough across the two outings to help the Terriers stay perfect through two games. Boston University has posted 17-17 and 15-19 seasons in recent years, so an unbeaten start is a useful sign even before the schedule gets tougher.
Northwestern brings its own 2-0 start
Northwestern is also 2-0 heading into Monday night. That gives the Wildcats a chance to test themselves against another unbeaten team at home, with Welsh-Ryan Arena providing the setting for one of the more interesting early-season games on the schedule. The Wildcats went 15-19 last season, so a strong start now offers an early chance to build a different tone for the year.
For both teams, the main story is simple: undefeated records will be on the line. Boston University has a pair of wins, Northwestern has a pair of wins, and the winner leaves Evanston with a 3-0 start and an early season boost that can matter later.
