DEKALB, Ill. – The Northern Illinois University men's basketball team welcomes Central Michigan to DeKalb on Saturday afternoon, February 22, as the Huskies host their annual "Cram the Convo." Game time against the Chippewas is scheduled for 3:30 p.m. and will be the second game of a doubleheader with the Huskie women's basketball team hosting Central Michigan at 1 p.m.
Numerous "Cram the Convo" activities surround Saturday's doubleheader, including a replica jersey giveaway, supported by Northwestern Medicine, to the first 1,250 fans beginning when the doors open at noon. The NIU Alumni Association will host its annual Alumni Day on Saturday in Victor E. Court from 2-4 p.m.
Tickets for Saturday's doubleheader, including flex passes, are available now at NIUHuskies.com/tickets or by calling 815-753-PACK (7225).
The Huskies enter Saturday's game leading the Mid-American Conference West Division with an 8-5 conference record, 15-11 overall, one game ahead of second-place Ball State. NIU is allowing just 63.4 points per game, which ranks 34th nationally, and are holding opponents to 39.6 percent shooting, best in the MAC and 33rd nationally.
Senior
Eugene German (Gary, Ind./21st Century Charter) is averaging a league-best 20.1 points per game, 26th in the country. German is NIU's all-time leading scorer with 2,091 career points, which also ranks ninth all-time in the MAC and ninth among active players in NCAA Division I. He scored a team-high 21 points last time out against Miami (Feb. 15), his 103rd career game in double figures.
Fellow senior
Lacey James (Grand Rapids, Mich./Rider) added 13 points and eight rebounds against the RedHawks. James is NIU's leading rebounder at 8.0 per game, eighth best in the conference, and has averaged 10.0 boards per contest over the last five games.
Central Michigan brings a 13-12 overall mark, including a 6-6 record in league play, into Saturday's matchup. The Chippewas average 80.2 points per game as a team, 12th best in the nation, and have four players scoring in double figures, led by Kevin McKay's 14.5 points per game.
David DiLeo adds 14.4 points per contest, Dallas Morgan is averaging 13.7 points per game and Rob Montgomery chips in 11.0 points per contest. As a team, Central Michigan is ranked 12th nationally at 80.2 points per game.
Following Saturday's contest, the Huskies return to the road for their final two regular season road contests, beginning Tuesday night, February 25 at Eastern Michigan.
