NIU women’s basketball has many priorities set in place but only one overriding goal today against Central Michigan: win.

The Huskies (12-13, 6-7 MAC), are heading into the matchup with the concept of revenge on mind to avenge their 86-67 loss earlier in the season to the Chippewas.

“Our motivation is to beat them this time,” said NIU senior Kim Davis. “They are a good and capable team so we know we have to come ready to play.”

Along with the mindset of revenge, NIU is looking to accomplish its game-to-game goal of limiting turnovers offensively. Turnovers have plagued the team this season, limiting possessions and scoring opportunities and are the most persistent problem every game.

The problem is exacerbated as the the team is without leading scorer Claire Jakubickek, and will depend on contributions from everyone, necessitating ball movement.

“It’s still an attainable goal, whatever the goal is for that game,” said Huskies assistant coach Shannon Baugh. “We just have to take care of the ball. Those kind of thoughts can leave our mind. We have to pass it with confidence, do things like stepping to meet the pass. Those things will help us reach our goal.”

The game plays largely into the season’s big picture as well, as of game-time, NIU will sit one game ahead of Central Michigan in the standings, allowing Central Michigan to tie NIU if they win.

While this fact alone doesn’t perturb the players much, Davis said to the even bigger picture of tournament slotting for home-court advantage.

“Knowing they’re beneath us doesn’t necessarily affect our mind-set,” Davis said. “It’s more knowing that we need to win out the rest of the regular season to get home-court advantage going into the tournament.”

The Huskies also draw confidence in knowing the strength of their opponent and feeling their strength can be a neutralizing factor.

“We know exactly what we need to do to get the victory,” Bough said. “They’re a team that likes to penetrate and push the ball in transition. They’re style of play plays right into our hands, and that’s why we believe we’ll be successful against Central Michigan.”