DeKALB | When a basketball team ranks last in their conference in scoring offense, the opposing team should be licking their lips.

But such is not the case for NIU as the Huskies face Miami University 6:30 Tuesday night in Ohio.

While Miami’s (8-11, 4-3) 57.5 points per game average lands them dead last in the MAC, the Huskies (4-15, 1-6) won’t be able to just outscore their opponents.

Miami ranks first in the conference in scoring defense, holding opponents to 57.2 points per game.

The Redhawks are led by a pair of Honorable Mention All-MAC selections from last season.

Junior forward Tim Pollitz ranks 13th in the MAC in points per game with 13.6, and senior forward Nathan Peavy stands 14th with a 13.5 average. Peavy also ranks seventh in the conference with seven rebounds per game.

Before losing to undefeated MAC East leader Akron this past Saturday, the Redhawks compiled a three game win streak, tallying wins over Bowling Green, Ohio and Central Michigan.

Searching for some offensive assistance, the Huskies will turn to Mike McKinney. The senior guard, who has averaged just over 10 points per game in three games against Miami, led NIU in Saturday’s game against Kent State with 19 points, 17 of them coming in the first half.

Last season’s game came down to the final seconds. The Redhawks scored a basket with less than five seconds remaining, holding on for a 58-56

victory.