Since it’s Valentine’s Day, it’s time to show some love to NIU athletics.

Specifically, I’ll be shedding some affection for the Huskies’ basketball teams.

Here’s some love for NIU hoops…

1) Kathi Bennett/Amanda Corral/Claire Jakubicek

Mad props to Bennett, who is in her second year at the helm as the NIU women’s head coach.

It appeared Bennett’s squad would suffer from the separation and graduation of Marke Freeman and Ebony Ellis. After all, Freeman and Ellis had close to a four-year relationship playing on the court.

Bennett would find new interests on the court, as freshmen Amanda Corral and Claire Jakubicek have stepped in for NIU.

The Huskies have become more team-oriented this season, and there’s a sense of urgency and commitment when they play together.

It certainly isn’t easy losing Freeman and Ellis, but Bennett has done a outstanding job taking incoming pieces and play them right away.

Bennett’s Huskies are 5-2 in their last seven games, and they’re one game-away from getting back to the .500 mark.

If NIU’s tenacious defense keeps forcing fits and tantrums on opposing offenses, they could make some noise in the MAC Tournament next month in Cleveland, Ohio.

2) Mark Montgomery/Abdel Nader

Does a 20-loss team flicker my basketball flame?

Of course. Montgomery took the challenge of inheriting a basketball program that’s been on life support the last five seasons.

So far, the results haven’t shown. But this was expected with the arrival of a freshmen class that needed to play now.

I’ll admit I was infatuated with Montgomery’s arrival and thought he could at least notch 10 wins in his first year.

That won’t be the case, but there’s reason to have a soft spot this year.

Nader has shown flashes of brilliance and potential for NIU. He appears to be the apple of Montgomery’s eye.

Nader posses all the qualities of a efficient wing-player who can drive and create his own shot.

Next year might be just as hard for NIU. In fact, it’s going to be really hard. They’ll have to work at getting better every day. And, yes. That was a Notebook reference if none of you caught that.