Since Marcus Smallwood returned to the starting lineup, he has been on a tear.

The freshman forward has averaged 10.5 points and 4.5 rebounds in two games — his first in the starting rotation since a game against the University of

Illinois-Chicago at the beginning of the season.

The Huskies (4-17 overall, 3-9 Mid-American Conference) need the play of Smallwood and senior guard Stephen Jones, who averages 10.8 points and 7.7 rebounds a game, to defeat Miami (12-12, 8-5) on the road tonight.

NIU snapped a 14-year losing streak to the Redhawks last season, defeating Miami 69-59 at Chick Evans Field House. But the Huskies likely have to score more than 60 points to repeat that accomplishment because the Redhawks hold their opponents to 57.5 points per game, ranking them fourth in the country.

NIU interim coach Andy Greer believes teamwork could pay off.

“We got together as a team and everyone agreed that the rest of the season, we are going to stay together and play hard,” Greer said.