DEKALB, Ill. – The Northern Illinois University men's basketball team will return to the floor for the first time in nine days when the Huskies travel to Milwaukee on Monday, Dec. 18, to meet Marquette. Game time against the Golden Eagles is slated for 6 p.m. CT and will be available on Fox Sports 1. 

The Huskies will take a 6-4 overall record into the matchup with Marquette after downing Central Connecticut State, 61-55, last time out. Sophomore Eugene German (Gary, Ind./21st Century Charter) and junior Levi Bradley (Milwaukee, Wis./Pius XI) continued to pace the Huskies offense, scoring 19 and 16 points, respectively. German currently ranks second in the MAC at 19.9 points per game while Bradley is averaging 15.2 points and 5.8 rebounds per contest; Bradley is one of nine players in the MAC to rank in the top-20 in the league in both scoring and rebounding. 

NIU committed just 11 turnovers in the victory over Central Connecticut State and continues to lead the MAC averaging just 11.4 turnovers per contest, which also ranks 33rd nationally. The Huskies also pace the conference in turnover margin at +3.8 as they are forcing opponents into 3.8 turnovers per contest. NIU is putting that turnover margin to good use as the Huskies are averaging seven more points per game off turnovers than their opponents (17.3-10.3). 

Monday's matchup will be a homecoming for NIU's two Milwaukee natives, Bradley and fellow junior Jaylen Key (Milwaukee, Wis./Homestead). Key's father, Damon, played at Marquette from 1990-94 and ranks 12th all-time in scoring (1,647) and 11th in rebounds (739) at Marquette. The younger Key had offseason shoulder surgery and has not yet see game action this season. 

Marquette comes into Monday's contest with a 7-3 record, the Golden Eagles will also be playing for the first time since Dec. 9, when they defeated Wisconsin, 82-63. Three players are scoring in double figures for Marquette, led by 22.5 points per game from Markus Howard. Andrew Rowsey adds 21.8 points per contest while Sam Hauser chips in 13.2 points and a team-high 5.7 rebounds per game.

NIU and Marquette have met seven time previously, with the Golden Eagles holding a 5-2 edge, but this will be the first meeting between the two programs in 24 years. 

Following Monday's trip to Marquette, the Huskies will return home for their final game before the Christmas holiday as they host UIC on Thursday, Dec. 21. Tickets for all Huskie basketball home games are on sale now through the NIU Athletics Ticket Office in the Convocation Center, by calling 815-753-PACK (7225) or online at NIUHuskies.com. Reserved lower bowl seats are just $10 while general admission is available for $8.