Quite possibly the biggest challenge of the season awaits the NIU women’s basketball team Friday.

The young Huskies’ defensive capability will be pushed to its limit against top-seeded Toledo (23-5) at 11 a.m. in a Mid-American Conference semifinal match-up at Cleveland’s Gund Arena.

But after holding both of their first two tournament opponents to less than 50 points, the Huskies (16-15) believe their defense will make them a difficult squad to overcome.

“At tournament time, defense wins games,” NIU coach Carol Hammerle said. “With our focus on defense, it makes us harder to beat.”

The Rockets blasted NIU 73-45 in the team’s first meeting Jan. 16, and again 70-51 last month. But NIU played the second contest without sophomore standout Kristan Knake, who had a concussion. The Huskies struggled with offensive execution and shot 36 percent from the field.

“Basically, it was not being used to having Kristan break the press,” Hammerle said. “I know the team is looking forward to playing them again, and Kristan is looking forward to playing them again after sitting out last time.”

Hammerle said the team will need to contain Toledo’s dominating duo of senior Kahli Carter and junior Courtney Risinger, who pump a combined 29.5 points a game. But she said the game will be especially tough because the Rockets boast perhaps the most talented lineup in the tourney.

“Clearly, we have nothing to lose,” Hammerle said. “They’re the No.1 seed, and they’re getting votes in the Associated Press Poll, so they’re supposed to win. We’re just going to go out there and play hard.”