Freshman forward Jaylen Key goes against Chicago State University's defense on Dec. 2. Men’s basketball (16-8, 5-6 MAC) will return home Saturday to face the University of Akron (19-4, 8-2 MAC) after playing four of its last five games on the road.

Alumnae of the NIU women's basketball team will suit up for the annual Alumni Game at 11 a.m. Saturday on Victory E. Court. A ticket to the NIU women's basketball game against Ohio at 2:05 p.m. that same day will get fans a seat for the alumnae contest.

The men's basketball Alumni Game is set for Feb. 4, and also will take place at 11 a.m. A ticket to watch the current Huskies take the court for a MAC showdown with Western Michigan at 2:05 p.m. gets fans into the Alumni Game.

Mega Women

Three top 10 finishes propelled the NIU women's track and field team to a second place finish at the Eastern Illinois Mega Meet Jan. 21.

In field competition, Lindsay Chamberlain took home the 20-pound weight throw title with a heave of 17.79 meters. Ashley Morrow finished third in the weight throw, and second in the shot put; a slot ahead of teammate Margaret Gorski. Elizabeth Berquist placed second in the high jump.

NIU also had a strong showing in the track department, with a second-place finish from sprinter Ajahnae Hinley, a second-place finish in the 800 meter run from Lorene Skipper and a bronze from Bonnie Miller in the 5,000 meter run. The 4 x 400 team posted a second-place finish to add to the NIU medal count.

NIU heads to Champaign tomorrow for the Care/Health Alliance Classic hosted by the University of Illinois at 10 a.m.

Seven-love

The NIU women's tennis team started its season with a 7-0 loss at Wisconsin Saturday.

Wisconsin won the doubles match point and then rolled to a 5-0 sweep with a forfeit in the singles matches.

NIU coach Pontus Hiort said after the match Wisconsin is one of the top teams in the nation.

Wanted: Softball Manager

The NIU softball team is looking for a new manager for its upcoming season.

Qualified candidates must have a working knowledge of softball, be proficient with statistical maintenance and assist with equipment transportation for practices and games.

If interested please contact assistant coach Joanna Lane at 753-2245 as soon as possible.

That New Season Smell

The NIU baseball team will kick off the 2006 season Feb. 3. The Huskies will travel to Tempe for a three-game series with the Arizona State Sun Devils.

The opener will be played under the lights at 7 p.m., while the final game will be at 1 p.m. Sunday.