The Northern Illinois University women’s basketball team is set to conclude a challenging stretch of games, facing the Ohio Bobcats on Saturday at Ohio’s Convocation Center. Tip-off is scheduled for 12 p.m. CT, with coverage available on ESPN+ and via audio broadcast on NIUHuskies.com.
Huskies Seek Rebound After Road Loss
NIU enters the contest with a 3-13 overall record and a 1-4 mark in Mid-American Conference play, following a 70-49 defeat at Toledo on Wednesday. Despite the loss, the Huskies notably outrebounded the Rockets 29-25, marking the first time Toledo has been outrebounded in MAC play this season. This rebound success was a first for NIU since November 24th against Chicago State.
Junior forward Nevaeh Wingate led NIU against Toledo with 15 points and a game-high eight rebounds. Wingate has scored in double figures in six consecutive games and matched her career-high with three three-pointers. She currently averages 14.0 points per game over those six contests and ranks in the top-10 in the MAC with 1.8 steals per game.
Graduate guard Nadechka Laccen contributed nine points and four rebounds against Toledo. Laccen is averaging 9.5 points, 3.5 rebounds, and 2.0 assists over her last four games, including a strong performance against Buffalo on January 7th where she recorded 12 points, seven rebounds, three assists, and three steals.
Bobcats Look to Bounce Back
Ohio (10-5, 4-1 MAC) will be looking to regain momentum after a 71-68 loss to Kent State on Wednesday, which ended a five-game winning streak. It was the first time in eight games the Bobcats failed to reach 70 points. Bella Ranallo and Monica Williams each scored 12 points for Ohio in the loss.
Ohio currently leads the MAC in three-pointers made per game (9.3) and steals per game (12.6). Junior guard Bailey Tabeling is a key player for the Bobcats, ranking second in the MAC with 2.40 three-pointers per game and leading the team in scoring with 13.4 points per game.
Series History
Ohio holds a 26-23 lead in the all-time series against NIU. The Bobcats have won three of the last four matchups, reversing a previous three-game winning streak by the Huskies. Last season, Ohio secured victories in both contests, winning 71-55 in DeKalb on January 4, 2025, and 74-70 in Athens on February 19.
Following Saturday’s game, NIU will begin a stretch of six out of eight games at home, starting with a January 21st matchup against Western Michigan at 6 p.m. CT. Tickets are available at NIUHuskies.com/tickets or by calling 815-753-PACK (7225).
Frequently Asked Questions
What is NIU’s current record?
NIU’s current record is 3-13 overall and 1-4 in Mid-American Conference play.
What is Ohio’s record?
Ohio’s current record is 10-5 overall and 4-1 in Mid-American Conference play.
Where can fans watch or listen to the game?
The game will be broadcast on ESPN+ and the radio broadcast is available on NIUHuskies.com.
How will the Huskies utilize their recent rebounding success against a strong Ohio offense?