The men’s basketball team continued to win at home but struggled on the road over winter break.

NIU lost a heartbreaking game 76-72 in overtime to Loyola Chicago on Dec. 15, despite guard Jarvis Nichols’ 15 points off the bench.

The Huskies then traveled to Wisconsin-Green Bay for a matchup with the Phoenix on Dec. 22. Even with a strong performance from the bench for a second straight game, NIU lost the contest 86-75.

NIU finally returned home from the road trip to meet Arkansas-Little Rock on Dec. 29. The result was a 59-55 victory with NIU forward Shaun Logan leading the way with 20 points. This win extended NIU’s home winning streak to three games.

The Huskies packed their bags again and hit the road to face Western Michigan on Jan. 5. Michael Patton led the Huskies with 20 points in the contest, but it wasn’t enough as NIU lost 86-69 to the Broncos.

Women’s basketball news

The women’s basketball team started off break with a tough challenge and the rest of the break only got harder.

NIU faced off at home against undefeated DePaul on Dec. 17. Despite an early 12-11 lead, the Huskies lost the game 90-58. NIU, determined to rebound from the loss, hosted Northern Iowa on Dec. 21. Led by Jessie Wilcox’s 19 points, the Huskies defeated the Panthers 61-46.

NIU then hit the road for what turned out to be a disappointing road trip.

The Huskies lost a tight game with Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis 58-55 on Dec. 29. NIU then made a trek down to face Illinois State but lost the game 78-54 on New Years Eve.

The Huskies closed out the road trip with their conference opener against Eastern Michigan. NIU lost the Jan. 9 contest, 61-42.