The NIU women’s basketball team will look to rebound Saturday when they host the Ball State Cardinals at the Convocation Center following a poor performance against Western Michigan.

The game is one of many the Huskies will play at home in the near future. In the next 11 games, seven will be on their home floor, where they are 4-1 this season.

Both teams are coming off losses to MAC opponents, with NIU losing to WMU Wednesday and Ball State losing to Eastern Michigan.

Ball State (9-6, 2-2) is second in the MAC West standings followed by NIU (6-9, 2-2).

The game will showcase an aggressive back court with Ball State sophomore guard Julie DeMuth averaging 12.5 points per game and junior guard Tina Bolte chipping in 11.4 ppg. They’re also fourth in MAC scoring at 67.1, despite scoring 24 points in a 110-24 loss to Duke Dec. 19.

“I think it’s really important that we concentrate on our defense,” NIU coach Carol Owens said. “Our defense has really helped us get the wins that we got so far,” Owens said. “Ball State likes to drive. They have some athleticism in the perimeter. We got to contain them and limit them to one shot. We got to rebound really well and make them get on their heels so they can think about slowing the pace down.”

The Huskies had 22 turnovers in their last game.

“If we keep our turnovers under 20 we can be successful. Being focused and being confident is what we need to do,” Owens said.

Owens said despite junior guard Stephanie Raymond’s collision at WMU, she is probable for Ball State.