NIU women’s basketball will take on Southern Illinois University tonight at the Convocation Center.

Heading into this matchup, the Huskies (2-3) are coming off back-to-back losses to Bradley and Illinois State. The Salukis (2-2) are coming off back-to-back wins against Chicago State and Tennessee State.

In NIU’s last two games, its opponents have attempted 39 three- point shots, which could be something to watch for tonight.

“Southern Illinois does a good job of shooting threes in transition,” said NIU women’s basketball coach Kathi Bennett. “That’s something we’ll definitely have to be concentrating on and pay attention to.”

Although NIU gave up 81 points to Illinois State, it also scored the highest point total in a regulation game this season with 62.

With as much youth that the team has, there have been growing pains and familiarity issues to overcome for the Huskies.

“We practiced on Sunday, and I saw some good carry-over,” Bennett said. “Moving forward, we’re really looking forward to what we can do offensively. Defensively, I think the effort has been there all the time. We’ve had a lot of line-up juggling; finding a rhythm with the teammates is something they will have to deal with.”

The Huskies and Salukis have faced and lost Loyola this season.

Although not necessarily a good indicator, it is a measure of improvement.

“That’s so far behind us,” Bennett said. “We’re not even the same team, as I’m sure they’re not the same team. They’ve gotten two wins in a row, so they probably have some confidence going.”

Although the Huskies have a different roster, last season’s matchup did favor NIU, as they won by a final score of 46-45.

“Last year we beat them on a last-second shot,” Bennett said. “I’m sure they remember that and will come in hungry. They’re a good, athletic team, and we respect them. They have a good player in [Teri] Oliver. She’s a guard that is tremendous.”