All that stands in the way of the NIU men’s basketball team claiming sole possession of first place in the MAC is Central Michigan’s 7-foot center, Chris Kaman.

The junior center has been on a tear, scoring 30-plus points in the last three games, including a career-high 43 points on Wednesday in a 94-92 win over Ball State.

NIU (14-9, 10-3 MAC) welcomes CMU (17-5, 10-3 MAC) for a 2:05 p.m. tip-off Saturday at the Convocation Center.

Kaman, who some scouts label as the top center in the NCAA, is second in the league in scoring (22.8 ppg) and rebounding (11.8 rpg). He leads the MAC in blocks with 3.19 a game and a .642 field goal percentage.

“He’s one of the best big men in the country, probably playing the best out of anyone in our conference right now,” NIU forward Marcus Smallwood said.

Kaman has had at least 20 points and 10 rebounds in his last seven games.

NIU coach Rob Judson says that the Huskies won’t change their approach on offense even with the presence of CMU’s 7-footer.

“We always like to play inside out,” Judson said. “It’ll just be a challenge because he’s a good player and obviously a good shot blocker inside.”

NIU and CMU currently are tied for first place in the MAC. Neither of these teams was predicted to come close to winning the conference, and both have exceeded their win totals from a year ago.

“NIU hasn’t had too many opportunities like this in the last few years,” Smallwood said. “We should really take advantage of it and enjoy the moment.”