Playing for third place
February 25, 2003
If there were ever a team that proves that defense wins games, it’s today’s NIU road matchup with Miami of Ohio.
Miami (12-11, 10-4 MAC) is last in the conference in points scored (59.7 a game) and rebounding (28.9 per game). However, the RedHawks hold their opponents to a MAC-best 58.7 points per contest and only 41.6 shooting from the floor, which also leads the conference.
The RedHawks put together a very tough non-conference schedule making their overall record look average. They have lost to Maryland, Cincinnati, Purdue, Xavier and Butler, while beating Dayton. All of these teams have a Ratings Percentage Index (RPI) in the top 45.
“Their overall record is deceptive,” NIU coach Rob Judson said. “Their inside outside game is really good and they are the top defensive team in the conference. It’s definitely going to be a battle.”
NIU (14-10 10-4 MAC) is coming off of an 87-75 loss Saturday at home against Central Michigan. This marked only the second time in its last 12 games that NIU will be coming off a loss.
“It’s something we’re not used to,” NIU senior center Mike Morrison said. “I don’t wanna say it’s good that we lost, but it’s kind of a reality check for us. We’ve played well, but we are beatable. We don’t like losing, but you can learn a lot from a loss.”
The Huskies are 7-0 on the road in the MAC, but their next two road matches are against the RedHawks and Central Michigan, who have only one loss combined at home within the MAC.
NIU was out rebounded for the second time in its last 14 games on Saturday, and Judson thinks once again that rebounding and defense will make or break the Huskies.
As for the team’s success on the road, Judson can’t explain that.
“We don’t feel more comfortable on the road,” Judson laughed. “We just try our best to do things like rebound to help us win.”
NIU is currently a game behind CMU for first place in the MAC West. The Huskies are tied with Miami for third place overall in the conference, and the top three seeds in the conference get first round byes for the MAC Tournament.