It has been 80 minutes of game time — four halves — since the NIU men’s basketball team held a lead.

To label the first two legs of a three-game road swing as unkind to NIU would be an understatement. The last time the Huskies led a game was against Western Michigan Feb. 4.

NIU has shot 42 percent during its two-game skid, compared to 51 percent during its four game win streak.

Get well soon

Prior to the win over Western Michigan, James Hughes either led or tied for the team lead in scoring for five games. During that span, the junior center averaged 14.8 points per game.

NIU often relied on Hughes, who produced with a 59 percent field-goal percentage.

Defensively, Hughes forced opponents to alter their inside game with his team-high 32 blocked shots. Although Hughes pulls down just 3.7 rebounds per game, NIU has been out rebounded 69-56 without him.

Super sub(s)

In the last four games, NIU substitutions have outscored their counterparts 100-56. Zach Pancratz has led the charge with hot shooting from beyond the arc. The sophomore guard has connected on 10-of-16 three pointers and has scored 9.5 ppg during that span.

“A lot of my shots come off guys who make plays,” Pancratz said. “When I get open looks, I just try to knock them down.”

Pancratz said his focus as a substitute is the same as it would be if he were a starter.

“With this team it doesn’t matter if you come off the bench or if you start,” Pancratz said. “The whole purpose is to try and make a difference.”

Floor general

NIU coach Rob Judson always mentions the importance of seniors in his post game press conferences. Point guard Anthony Maestranzi, entrusted with initiating the offense has found his stroke from three-point range.

“I’ve just been getting good looks,” Maestranzi said. “I’ve been able to hit one or two threes early, and my confidence has been up. My mind-set is to take care of the ball, and get in to the offense. If I get an open look I am going to take the shot, but mostly I’m thinking about getting people involved.”

The senior Bartlett native averages 5.4 ppg, but in the last four has upped his scoring output to 8.3 ppg. Maestranzi has connected on 47 percent of his three pointers and said that being a senior is a huge advantage on the court.

“I have a lot of experience,” Maestranzi said. “I’ve been in a lot of different situations, and am comfortable on the court having been in coach Judson’s system for four years, I know my role and what I have to do.”

Streak buster

For the first time in 12 games, Todd Peterson failed to make a three pointer. The senior forward was 0 for 4 from three-point distance in a loss at Kent State.

Broncos bounce back

Western Michigan could be in sole possession of first place in the MAC West by Wednesday, even though it was drubbed 86-60 by NIU Feb. 4, and beaten soundly 75-53 at Akron Sunday.

NIU’s two-game skid, and a 65-62 WMU win over Ohio has the Broncos a half game out of first place.

If reigning MAC West Player of the Week Joe Reitz can lead his squad to a home win over Eastern Michigan Wednesday, NIU will be a half game behind WMU.

FAQ on Winthrop

NIU will wait five days before it hits the road for Rock Hill, S.C. for a made-for T.V. match versus Winthrop.

So, what do you need to know about Winthrop?

It is a sturdy mid-major opponent. The Eagles compete in the Big South Conference, are 16-6 overall, and 10-2 in conference play.

Winthrop has a marquee win over Marquette, and close losses to Auburn and Alabama. It owns a robust 10-1 record at the Winthrop coliseum, and is tied for first in its conference.