Men’s basketball is in the middle of an impressive, historic season — something the program hasn’t seen since going 18-2 through 20 games in the 1990-91 season.

Here are three observations of the Huskies’ storybook season through 21 games:

Defense

The biggest key to the Huskies’ success has been their defense. The team is currently first or second in most defensive categories in the MAC, something the team takes pride in.

“We’re a defensive team,” said junior guard Aaric Armstead. “We pride ourselves on defense and it’s always one of our goals, period, every game to come out and be the aggressor on defense.”

The team’s strong defense has allowed it to stay close in games even when it is struggling offensively. They know the shots will fall eventually, but they have to be locked in defensively even if they don’t. Senior guard Travon Baker said the Huskies’ defense is “totally 100 percent effort”, adding that the team prides itself on the defensive side of the ball and that not making shots does not affect the way the team approaches each game.

Head coach Mark Montgomery said defense is “energy, effort and some grit” and his team displays it every game. NIU is first in the conference in scoring margin (+12.3), field goal percentage defense (38 percent), rebounding margin (+7.8), defensive and rebounds (28.1 average per game).

The Huskies are second in the MAC in scoring defense (64.2 percent), assists (15.8 average per game), steals (7.4 average per game) and offensive rebounds (13.1 average per game).

“[You’ve] got to play defense to get to offense,” Baker said. “We can’t outscore every team.”

The Go-to Guys

Coach Montgomery has three guys, especially in the starting lineup, that he thinks are go-to guys. Baker, Armstead and sophomore center Marin Maric are all capable of putting up big numbers and igniting the team when they need a spark.

“When I look at my offensive playbook before every game, I try to run a play for Aaric [Armstead], [Travon] Baker and Marin Maric to get those guys going,” Montgomery said. “They’re very capable scorers.”

Baker is the team’s leading scorer in MAC play and the team has nothing but confidence in him. He recently tied NIU’s record for career steals set by Ronald Minter (1993-97).

“If he misses his first couple of shots, he knows that he’s put that time in the gym, he’s going to keep shooting,” Montgomery said. “He’s going to make shots, he’s going to make plays, he’s done it his whole career.”

Armstead is the team’s “Energizer Bunny” according to his coach, and always guards the other team’s best offensive player, while also scoring the ball.

“[Armstead is] our lock-down defender, so he has to do both,” Montgomery said. “He was our MVP last year and if you look at the stats, his offensive numbers are up and once he starts knocking down that three, watch out, things are going to soar.”

Maric has been a steady anchor for the team this season. He’s recorded a string of double-doubles this season in points and rebounds and is seventh in blocks in the conference.

Maric was named MAC West Player of the Week on Dec. 28, one of three times this season a Huskie was named player of the week in the conference. Baker was named MAC West Player of the Week on Jan. 11 and Jan. 25.

Home-court advantage

The Huskies drew their biggest crowd of the season at the Convocation Center on Jan. 22 in a win against Toledo. More than 3,000 people were in attendance and chants of “Defense! Defense!” roared through the Convo in the final minutes of the game as the Huskies recorded stops on the defensive end.

“[The crowd] makes a difference,” Montgomery said. “Your players feed off the crowd, they have more bounce and hop in their step and it was fun to see. It’s always fun to win at home and play at home.”