Feb. 7, 2012 
Live Stats l Game Notes in PDF 
Northern Illinois Huskies (2-19, 1-8 MAC) vs. Miami RedHawks (7-14, 3-6 MAC)
Date: Wednesday February 8, 2012
Tipoff: 7 p.m.
Location: NIU Convocation Center • DeKalb, Ill.
Radio: WLBK 1360-AM in DeKalb, WJOL 1340-AM in Joliet and WLIP 1050-AM in Kenosha
Live Stats: NIUHuskies.com
Red Cross Day
In conjunction with Wednesday’s game, NIU Athletics will be hosting Red Cross Day at the NIU Convocation Center. A blood drive will be held from 3-7 p.m., in the South Lobby of the Convocation Center, those wishing to give blood are asked to use entrance four. All blood donors will be given free tickets to the game.
The Match-Up
Northern Illinois will play its final home game against a MAC East foe on Wednesday night when Miami visits the NIU Convocation Center. Last time out against Bowling Green, Abdel Nader recorded a career-high 10 rebounds and just missed his first career double-double with eight points. Miami brings a two-game winning streak to NIU, having won a pair of games against MAC West foes last week, defeating Eastern Michigan at home and Ball State on the road.
About Miami
The RedHawks bring a 7-14 record, 3-6 in conference play, into Wednesday night’s contest in DeKalb. Miami is led by reigning MAC East Player of the Week Julian Mavunga who is averaging 17.3 points and 10.1 rebounds per game. In their win over Eastern Michigan last week, Mavunga had 19 points and 19 rebounds. Brian Sullivan also scores in double figures for the RedHawks at 10.6 points per contest. Miami head coach Charlie Coles is in his 16th season in charge of the RedHawks, he is the longest tenured head coach in the MAC.
Against the RedHawks
Northern Illinois trails in the all-time series against Miami, 25-12. The RedHawks have won seven-straight in the series, including the last three in DeKalb, but the Huskies do hold a 9-6 edge all-time in home games. NIU’s last victory in the series was a 62-54 victory on Feb. 25, 2004 in DeKalb.
Getting to the Line
Northern Illinois went to the free-throw line a season-high 29 times against Buffalo (Jan. 28), converting on a season-best 21 of those chances (72.4 percent). During MAC play, the Huskies have done a better job getting to the free-throw line as a team, averaging 19.8 attempts per game after averaging just 14.8 attempts per contest during non-conference.
Going to the Glass
Northern Illinois ranks fourth in the MAC in rebounding offense (35.9) and third in rebounding defense (32.7). The Huskies are fourth in rebounding margin at +3.2. In conference play, NIU is second in rebounding defense (31.0) and ranks fourth in rebounding margin (+2.7). NIU has the best defensive rebounding percentage in the league in conference play (74.0) and second overall (71.6).
Looking Ahead
NIU will play its final regular season game against the MAC East when it travels to Akron on Saturday, Feb. 11. Game time between the Huskies and Zips is scheduled for 6:30 p.m. CT.
