NIU women’s basketball will take its talents to Akron, Ohio for a MAC showdown.

The Huskies (7-11, 1-5 MAC) won one game of their last eight, while Akron (9-11, 3-3 MAC) comes in winning three of its last four.

Since the schedule alternates from road to home every time out, road games become crucial down the stretch.

“They’re really important to get a road win,” said NIU forward Kim Davis. “It sets the tone for home games and gets us pumped for home games.”

If the Huskies want success, they will need to bring more energy into this game following a lackluster showing last time against Buffalo.

“It definitely makes us hungry to come out and get things going on the right path,” said Huskies forward Claire Jakubicek. “After that game we’ve been working hard on our offense to make sure we can execute.”

Akron will be a stark contrast to the perimeter problems NIU saw in its last game, as Akron has seven players 5’10” or taller, posing post problems.

“It’s not really a game plan to keep them out of the paint,” Davis said. “It’s always our responsibility to not let them get low block because then it’s hard to defend them. Just keep them out of their comfort zone.”

NIU is a smaller squad and must take advantage of second chance opportunities and turnovers whenever they get them. This season they haven’t been able to do so, missing many layups, especially in transition.

“I don’t think there’s really an excuse, having less height could have something to do with it,” Jakubicek said. “There’s really no excuse. We just have to concentrate on sticking our layups.”

Despite recent offensive struggles, the focal point for NIU has been and remains defense heading into the matchup with Akron.

“Defense is always our number one factor,” Davis said. “She’s been stressing offense as well because you can’t win a game without offense. We practice a lot of transition offense and defense.”