MAC play couldn’t have started any worse than it did for NIU women’s basketball.

Perhaps that actually turns into an advantage for them moving forward.

With an overwhelming amount of youth on the roster, the Huskies got a taste of what it takes to compete in hostile environments in game situations that directly affect their playoff hopes.

Heading into their next matchup with Bowling Green, the Huskies are at exactly the halfway point.

Losing its first four games of MAC play, NIU won three of its last four games behind improved play from freshman contributors Amanda Corral and Claire Jakubicek.

The Huskies have shown intermittently that when they combine their efforts on both offense and defense in a single game, they’re a tough out for anyone, including Akron.

Their problem, however, is finding that consistency. Performing and knowing that they have the capability to do all things necessary to win on a given night. Plus, with so many young players on the roster, perhaps that learning curve has come to fruition at the right time.

NIU currently sits fourth in the MAC West standings, but it has been able to recover from its terrible start.

The Huskies will also have the benefit of playing five of their last eight games against opponents who they have played previously.

The one area of concern overall becomes the lack of interior size for NIU. A good amount of teams the Huskies have lost to were bigger and taller overall.

The Huskies do not have a true center or a forward with a consistent post game and double figure rebounding potential.

What they lack in size, however, has been made up for in tenacious team-rebounding and help defense.

Coach Kathi Bennett told reporters at the beginning of the season that she thought this team could win the MAC and move into the NCAA tournament.

Perhaps it was fervent optimism, perhaps it was extra sensory perception, but one thing is for sure, proving time starts now.