“They’re hungry,” said NIU assistant coach Carl Armato of the men’s basketball team.

Without a road win since Dec. 29, the Huskies will have one last chance to feed their hunger for a win outside of DeKalb at 6 p.m. Saturday in ESPN’s Bracket Buster at Wright State.

“We’ve struggled a little bit on the road,” the fourth-year assistant said. “But the Bracket Buster is a neat thing. You’re putting your pride on the line, and they’ll want to show the MAC is a tough conference.”

Wright State (11-13, 6-7) lost 81-70 to MAC opponent Akron Dec. 11. Shortly after, NIU topped Akron at home 66-58.

The Raiders have lost four of their last five games.

“This time of year, I think it’s hard not to feel a little fatigued and banged up,” Armato said. “College basketball is a long season, and with class schedules and everything else, it’s pretty tough. It’s going to come down to who’ll have the strongest will to win.”

Both teams will be playing off two days rest. The Raiders come off a 71-49 loss to Detroit. The Huskies lost 79-63 at Eastern Michigan, putting them at 0-9 on the road in conference play.

Wright State is led by DaShaun Wood, a 6-foot sophomore who averages 15 points and 5 rebounds per game.

“Wood is an excellent player, and he’ll be tough to stop,” Armato said. “As point guard, the ball is in his hands the majority of the time. Hopefully we can try and contain him. He likes to attack the basket.”

The Raiders have three other players scoring in double-digits in Zakee Boyd (11.5) Zach Williams (10.7) and Drew Burleson (10.1).

Armato said Williams, a 6-foot-7 transfer from Ohio State, will be the biggest threat of the three.

“Hopefully by committee, we can wear him down,” Armato said. “That’s going to be a good matchup, and it’s one that we’re looking forward to. We’re hoping our big men can rise to the challenge.”