DeKALB | The NIU women’s basketball team needs help to receive a bye in the MAC tournament.

One thing is for certain, however. The Huskies (17-10 overall, 8-7 MAC) must defeat Ball State (21-5, 12-3) Wednesday to have a chance at finishing second in the MAC West, earning an easier path through the tournament. On the other half of the equation, Eastern Michigan must also lose to last-place Central Michigan for NIU to clinch.

The Huskies will have home court to their advantage as they face off against the Cardinals at 7 p.m. at the Convocation Center.

Not only is NIU 10-2 at home this season, but it will also be the final home game for seniors Stephanie Raymond, Mary Basic, Kristin Wiener and Margaret Batteast.

“It’s great to have the last game of the season be at home,” NIU head coach Carol Owens said. “It’s good to be in front of the home crowd. This is a game to honor the seniors and there’s no better way to do it than to get a win.”

Basic, still recovering from a thumb injury, will be a game-time decision. However, Owens remains optimistic.

“She’s doing better than she was yesterday,” Owens said. “She’s been doing some things in practice, but we’re staying away from some of the contact stuff. Her impact is tremendous. She is part of the nucleus of this team.”

Ball State clinched a first place finish in the MAC West last week and will be looking to gain momentum for the upcoming tournament.

The Cardinals are led offensively by junior guard Julie DeMuth, averaging 15.2 points per game. She also ranks third in the MAC in rebounding, pulling down 8.5 boards a game.

“Julie is a real good inside-out player,” Owens said. “We are going to have to contain her and stop them from the three-point line, because they can shoot the ball well.”

BSU forward Lisa Rusche, averaging 11 points per game, was named MAC West Player of the Week last week. Rusche averaged 20 points and eight rebounds over the course of the week.