After Eastern Michigan left a bad taste in NIU’s mouth in their first meeting this season, men’s basketball will get another shot at the Eagles today at the Convocation Center.

The Eagles (12-15, 5-7 MAC) previously held the Huskies (5-20, 3-9 MAC) to an NCAA record-low four points in their 42-25 victory in Ypsilanti, Mich.

“I know for sure that we’re not going to score only four points in one half,” said redshirt junior guard Antone Christian. “We’re going to come out with a huge chip on our shoulder. We definitely [have to] be ready, try to finish this conference season up strong and head into the tournament.”

Coach Mark Montgomery believes the Huskies will come into the game motivated and with a lot of energy.

“Knowing you didn’t play as well the first time against someone, that’s that chip that A.C. is talking about,” Montgomery said. “That you know you’re a lot better than you played and you want to go out and prove it.”

The Huskies recorded their worst shooting performance of the season in their previous meeting with the Eagles. They shot 13 percent from the field and just 3 percent from behind the 3-point line, going one of 31 from behind the arc.

“In the first game we shot way too many 3, we shot over 30 something 3s,” Montgomery said. “We didn’t get out in transition and get some easy baskets, we didn’t get the ball inside to attack their bigs and offset some of those jump shots. And at the same time we have to step up and make some shots.”

Having already played the Eagles this season, the Huskies learned some things that they will try to exploit in this game.

“They have a tendency to turn the ball over a lot whenever they are pressured,” Christian said. “They have a tendency to get out of control, so what we’re going to do is try to speed them up and attack their zone more effectively. They have a lot of holes in their zone if the ball is moved properly.”

With the season winding down, Montgomery and the team know just how important their remaining games are.

“We have to come out and play, it’s four to go with a lot on the line,” Montgomery said. “It doesn’t matter if it’s home or away. We have two at home, two on the road. Every game is important at this stage of the season.”