After a narrow loss to Toldeo on Saturday, the NIU women’s basketball team looks to break the .500 mark in the MAC when it takes on Western Michigan at 7:05 p.m. today at the Convocation Center.

The Huskies (4-4 MAC, 9-10 overall) also will look to even the season series after the Broncos (12-7, 7-1) beat NIU 80-73 on Jan. 7.

“We play better at home,” Hammerle said. “We’re just focusing on this game against Western. We’re not thinking about our record or anything like that.”

The key to success against the MAC West’s top team will be offensive rebounds, Hammerle said.

“Defensively, getting the rebound is what we call completing the play,” she said. “We work so hard, and giving the other team a second opportunity is deflating.”

NIU gave up 14 offensive rebounds to Toldeo but still lost by two baskets.

“Getting the ball is critical,” Hammerle said. “We’re shooting the ball well; we shot over 50 percent against Toledo. It’s hard to beat good teams when you’re turning the ball over. It’s hard to get back and defend on a turnover.”

The team did well against Toldeo, but still needs to take the next step and beat a good team, Hammerle said.