NIU: Coach’s Take

NIU head coach Carol Owens knows that rebounding and the Huskies’ presence in the paint is going to be a major factor.

“We feel that we are a pretty good rebounding team,” Owens said. “On the defensive end we have to have all five people being ready to rebound and make contact and go get the ball.”

NIU: Key Player

Sophomore Kylie York is coming off an offensive explosion with 27 points in NIU’s last game against Miami University.

“Everyone knows Kylie is a 3-point shooter,” Owens said. “She also is a great free throw shooter. If she can attack and drive the ball she can draw fouls and get to the line.”

NIU: Last Game

The Huskies are coming off of a big comeback win over MAC opponent Miami. NIU trailed by 15 points at the half and stormed out of the gates to take a second-half lead and not look back, winning the contest 77-74.

“It was on of the best wins we’ve had all season,” Owens said.

York lead the Huskies in the game with a career-high 27 points. The win was NIU’s first road win of the season.

NIU: Vital Stat

The Huskies have posted a 5-2 mark at home this season and are 2-1 at home against MAC opponents.

“I think we feel most comfortable at home,” York said. “We have to go in confident knowing we can win. This is a big one for us.”

Buffalo: Coach’s Take

Buffalo is coming off of a tough three-point loss to Eastern Michigan and head coach Linda Hill-MacDonald knows they must continue to look forward.

“We have to put that one behind us and not dwell on it,” Hill-MacDonald said. “We need to focus and know that we can get back on track.”

Buffalo: Key Player

Senior Forward Heather Turner is second on the team with 11.6 points per game and leads the Bulls with 7.5 rebounds per game.

“Heather is an experienced player for us,” Hill-MacDonald said. “We need to rely on her not only for points but also for leadership.”

Buffalo: Last Game

The Bulls are coming off a very close loss at home against Eastern Michigan, 74-71. Buffalo trailed by no more than seven points during the second half, but was unable to forge the comeback.

Guard Stephanie Bennett lead the way with 25 points, including shooting 7-13 from behind the arc. Turner also chipped in 15 points and collected 6 rebounds in the loss.

Buffalo: Vital Stat

Despite a 10-9 overall record, Buffalo plays better on the road than they do at home. The Bulls are 6-4 on the road, including a 3-0 road record against MAC opponents.

Buffalo’s strong road play should play a factor against an NIU team that plays better at home.

NIU – 7-12, 3-3 MAC

Buffalo – 10-9, 3-3 MAC