NIU (6-19, 3-10) vs. Ball State (5-22, 4-10)

6 p.m. today at Worthen Arena in Muncie, Ind.

Coach’s Take

NIU

NIU head coach Ricardo Patton hopes his team can bounce back from two home losses and make a run in its last two games of the season.

“Of course, Ball State is very aggressive defensively, but they have struggled like we have shooting the basketball,” Patton said. “Hopefully, they continue to struggle at least one more time.”

Ball State

The Northern Star could not get in contact with BSU head coach Billy Taylor.

Taylor did not make his scheduled appearance during the weekly MAC teleconference, and was not available for comment after BSU’s loss to Eastern Michigan on Sunday, according to the Ball State Daily News.

Last Game

NIU

NIU is returning to the court after an 80-73 loss against Central Michigan on Saturday. During the game, both teams combined for 79 free-throw attempts, 54 personal fouls and two technical fouls.

“I feel the game was lost at the free-throw line,” Patton said of his team, which went 30-46 from the charity stripe.

Ball State

Ball State is heading into tonight’s game after a loss to Eastern Michigan. The Cardinals were unable to battle back from a deficit at halftime, and lost 75-64 to the Eagles.

Forward Anthony Newell led the team in scoring, tallying 15 points, while fellow forward Malik Perry grabbed six boards to lead the team in rebounding.

Key Player

NIU

Freshman Darion “Jake” Anderson will be a threat to the Cardinals, as the Huskies’ leading scorer enters the match-up. The freshman guard is averaging 13.2 points and 6.7 rebounds per game.

“I think he’s only scratched the surface of how good he has to become; he has to continue to grow and get better,” Patton said. “I think the fact that he has been able to play major minutes has helped his progress.”

Ball State

On Jan. 22, Anthony Newell dominated the offensive court and racked up 24 points against the Huskies. Newell continues to be a threat in the MAC, and averages 16.2 points per game.

NIU also must watch Peyton Stovall as he lead his team in rebounds, grabbing six boards against the Huskies earlier this season. Stovall averages 12.7 points per game and 5.4 boards.

Vital Stat

NIU

The Huskies enter their 11th MAC contest with the highest turnover rate in the conference. Coach Patton has described turnovers as the team’s biggest nemesis, as NIU is averaging a -3.36 turnover margin.

Ball State

Coming into tonight’s game, Ball State ranks last in scoring offense in the MAC. The team averages 57.6 points per game, while NIU averages 65.7. Scoring buckets will be key if Ball State is looking for the win.