Jennifer Youngblood, NIU women’s basketball forward, knows that one of the Huskies’ goals this season is to reverse their non-conference record from 2-9 last season to 9-2 this season.

So far this season, NIU already has won three of five conference games and will look to make it four tonight at Chick Evans Field House, playing Southeast Missouri State at 7:05.

“It was one of our goals,” said the sophomore forward. “We aren’t going 2-9 again. In preseason, that was one thing we told ourselves and promised ourselves.”

The Huskies won their game Saturday over New Mexico State, 65-58, and got successful output from Youngblood and center Jessica Shattuck.

Youngblood currently leads the team statistically, averaging 14.4 points and 7.8 rebounds. Shattuck is right behind her, tallying 11.4 points per contest and 6.4 rebounds.

Not everything is smelling like roses for the Huskies. Turnovers continue to be in abundance, and NIU will have to cut down on them to win tonight. It committed 30 on Saturday. Youngblood believes rebounding will be the key for the Huskies tonight.

“We have to rebound,” Youngblood said. “We’ve been working this week in practice on boxing out, and that’s exactly what we have to do. Our rebounding hasn’t been as good as coach wants it or we want it. I think if we rebound offensively and defensively, we’ll be all right.”

This season the Huskies are shooting 41 percent while holding opponents to a 40 percent clip. Juniors Kim Boeding and Kristan Knake have performed well this season, but not at a consistent level, says coach Carol Hammerle. The two will need a big game tonight.

Hammerle thinks Southeast Missouri State will be a challenge that will make the Huskies earn their win.

“I think they are a very good team,” said Hammerle. “They are very athletic, and they complement each other well. They’ve got some players that penetrate very well, whether to score or kick out, and a strong player inside. I think we’ve got our work cut out for us. I think we’re going to have to play some solid, sound defense.”