DeKALB | To be the best, you have to beat the best.

Despite three conference wins thus far and a three-game winning streak, the NIU women’s basketball team still trails Ball State in the MAC standings.

That can all change when the Huskies (11-4, 3-1) look to hand the Cardinals (13-2, 4-0) their first conference loss at 6 p.m. tonight in Muncie, Ind.

Team defense will be key in stopping BSU’s attack, as all of the Cardinals’ starters currently average more than nine points per game.

Junior guard Julie DeMuth, last week’s MAC West player of the week, is averaging close to a double-double on the season with her 14.9 points and 8.9 rebounds per game average.

The Huskies possess their own offensive force in senior Kristin Wiener, who is averaging 14 points and eight rebounds per game.

Junior Whitney Lowe stepped up her play recently as well, and is averaging more than 11 points per game.

Also in NIU favor is three game conference win streak the team is currently on.

After fralling to Eastern Michigan the Huskies rebounded by taking care of Central Michigan, Toledo, and Western Michigan to end the break.

“It’s a big game,” said head coach Carol Owens. “It’s a big game on the road. It will definitely be a challenge for us because they are such a good team. Anytime you go on the road it will be a challenge.”