DEKALB, Ill. -- The Northern Illinois University men's basketball team will conclude its current three-game homestand on Saturday, Feb. 17, when the Huskies host Western Michigan. Game time against the Broncos is scheduled for 3:30 p.m., and will be the second game of a doubleheader with the NIU women's basketball team tipping off a 1 p.m.

Saturday is "Cram the Convo" at NIU with a number of events surrounding the basketball doubleheader. The NIU Alumni Association is hosting a reception in Victor E. Court, rally towels will be given away to the first 2,000 fans and "Tyler's Amazing Balancing Act" will be performing at halftime of both games. Tickets 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.

NIU (11-15, 4-9 MAC) is coming off an 80-72 setback on Tuesday against Central Michigan. The Chippewas went 27-of-33 from the free-throw line in the contest, both were season highs by a Huskie opponent. Sophomore Eugene German (Gary, Ind./21st Century Charter) scored a team-high 23 points to lead NIU, his 14th 20-plus point performance of the season. 

German is leading the MAC in scoring at 20.1 points per game, which ranks 43rd in the nation. German is also averaging a league-high 20.4 points per game in conference play. 

Junior Lacey James (Grand Rapids, Mich./Rider) scored 13 points against Central Michigan on Tuesday. James is averaging 8.3 points per game over the last seven contests, shooting 53.8 percent from the field. 

The Broncos come to DeKalb with a 15-11 overall record, including a 7-6 mark in league play. Western Michigan is coming off an 83-81 loss at Bowling Green on Tuesday (Feb. 13). Thomas Wilder leads Western Michigan in scoring at 18.9 points per game while Josh Davis also scores in double figures at 11.1 points per game while leading the Broncos in rebounding with 7.1 boards per contest.

Western Michigan leads the MAC in turnover margin at +3.3, 24th in the nation. The Broncos also lead the conference in turnovers, committing a league-low 10.8 which ranks 16th nationally.

NIU will return to the road next week as it travel to Ball State on Tuesday, Feb. 20, and Eastern Michigan on Saturday, Feb. 24. The Huskies will be back home again on Tuesday, Feb. 27, when they host Toledo.