The NIU women’s basketball team will take a leave of absence from the ice and slush of DeKalb and resort to a heated match against Miami (Fla.) Saturday at 5:15 p.m.

Starting a momentum roll, initiated by a 93-73 win over Valparaiso on Tuesday, the Huskies hope to up their 8-11 record. A replay of last year’s NIU vs. Miami final score would do the trick.

Last season, NIU played the underdog going into the battle with a 7-12 record, while the Hurricanes arrived in DeKalb with a 9-11 standing.

NIU pulled out from a 37-36 deficit at halftime with high scoring from Lisa Foss (26 points) and Tammy Hinchee (15 points) to clinch a 77-72 decision in last-minute action.

“We expect it to be another close game,” said NIU women’s boss Jane Albright. “They’re a fast-break team, too, and they’re real quick.”

The rematch is looking familiar, as Miami will enter the gym with nearly the same record (8-9 prior to Thursday’s Florida A&M game), and NIU holds just one more win than last season.

One major threat returning for Miami from last year is Maria Rivera, averaging 23.8 points per game, whom Albright refers to as “one of the best guards in the nation.” The Huskies were able to hold Rivera to 20 points at their last meeting.

“She has established herself as an impact player,” Albright said of Rivera. “We’re definitely going to have to defend her—she’s their most dominant player.”

Albright is expecting the game to be a physical inside battle. But if the Huskies can hold to their ranking statistics in the North Star Conference, namely their second place in scoring, NIU should be able to conquer the Hurricanes.

Placing in top-10 scoring in the NSC in games through Jan. 25 are Foss (19.3 ppg) at number two, Carol Owens (15.3) tied at number five, Gena Stubbs (14.4) at number seven and Hinchee (13.0) at number 10.

Topping the charts in rebounding stats for NIU in the NSC include Hinchee (9.4) tied for number two and Owens (8.3) at number six.