DEKALB, Ill. -- The Northern Illinois University men's basketball team travels to Toledo on Tuesday, Feb. 6, for the first matchup of the season against the Rockets. Game time against Toledo is scheduled for 6 p.m. CT and will be available on ESPN3.
NIU (10-13, 3-7 MAC) has won each of its last three trips to the Glass City, including a 74-72 victory last season (Jan. 28, 2017). The Huskies also claimed an 84-82 win on Feb. 25, 2015, as well as a 71-66 victory on Jan. 22, 2016, during the current three-game winning streak in Toledo.
The Huskies are coming off an 81-65 setback at home against Miami this past Saturday (Feb. 3), just their second home loss of the season. NIU shot 50 percent from the field in the second half against the RedHawks to continue a recent trend of strong offensive performances after halftime.
Over the last four games, NIU is shooting 64 percent from the field in the second half, including 54.5 percent from three-point range, and has scored 46.0 points per game after the intermission.
NIU tied a season-low with just seven turnovers last time out against Miami. The Huskies are averaging just 11.7 turnovers per game, second-best in the MAC, and have a +1.8 turnover margin, which ranks third in the conference and 71st nationally.
The Rockets lead the MAC West with an 8-2 conference record, 16-7 overall. Toledo is 9-3 at home this season and has won eight of its last nine games overall. Tre'Shaun Fletcher leads Toledo averaging 18.8 points and 8.6 rebounds per game. Jaelan Sanford adds 16.6 points per game, Nate Navigato chips in 10.3 points per game and Luke Knapke is averaging 10.8 points per contest.
Toledo leads the MAC in field goal percentage (47.4 percent) and three-point field goal percentage (40.6 percent).
NIU will return home on Saturday, Feb. 10, when the Huskies begin a three-game homestand as they host Buffalo. The matchup against the Bulls is the second half of a doubleheader with the NIU women's basketball team facing Bowling Green at 1 p.m.
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. Reserved lower bowl seats are just $10 while general admission is available for $8.
