DEKALB, Ill. – Coming off just the third win in program history over a ranked opponent, the Northern Illinois University men's basketball team returns to action on Saturday, January 26, as the Huskies travel to Akron, Ohio to meet the Zips. Tip-off is scheduled for 4 p.m. CT and will be available on ESPN+.

The Huskies are coming off a 77-75 victory over 14th-ranked Buffalo on Tuesday night (Jan. 22) that gave NIU (11-8, 4-2 MAC) sole possession of first-place in the MAC West Division. Senior Dante Thorpe (Washington, D.C./Triton College) scored 23 points in the victory over the Bulls while junior Eugene German (Gary, Ind./21st Century Charter) scored 20 points in just 24 minutes due to foul trouble. 

Thorpe went 7-of-8 from the field on Tuesday night and is now shooting 54.9 percent from the floor, fifth-best nationally among guards. 

In addition to his 20 points, German pulled down a career-best 10 rebounds to record his first career double-double against Buffalo. German continues to lead the MAC in scoring at 20.6 points per game, which ranks 31st nationally, and has increased his rebounding production in conference play, grabbing 6.0 boards per game in league action. 

The Zips bring an 11-8 overall record into Saturday's contest, including a 3-3 mark in conference play, and are 9-1 at home this season after defeating Central Michigan, 70-67, this past Tuesday (Jan. 22). Akron has four players that score in double figures, led by 14.1 points per game from Daniel Utomi. Jimond Ivey adds 13.7 points per contest, Loren Christian Jackson chips in 12.9 points per game and Tyler Cheese is scoring 10.0 points per contest.

The home team has won seven of the last eight in the series between the Huskies and Zips, and Akron holds a 16-2 advantage all-time at home against NIU, with the last Huskie victory coming in 2008. 

Following Saturday's trip to Akron, the Huskies will return home for three consecutive games, beginning on Tuesday, January 29 when they welcome Ohio to the NIU Convocation Center for a 7 p.m. tip. Tickets are available for all remaining home games from the NIU Convocation Center Box Office, by calling 815-753-PACK (7225) or by visiting NIUHuskies.com/tickets.