DEKALB, Ill. – For the first time since Dec. 1, the Northern Illinois University men's basketball team will be at home as it hosts Eastern Michigan on Saturday afternoon, Jan. 15, as the second game of a Huskie basketball doubleheader. The NIU women's basketball team will host Toledo at 1 p.m., followed by the men's game against the Eagles at approximately 3:30 p.m.

Last time out, NIU (4-8, 1-1 MAC) earned a 65-63 win at Kent State (Jan. 11) behind a career-high 17 points from Kaleb Thornton (Bolingbrook, Ill./Iowa Western CC) and a career-best 13 from Chinedu Kingsley Okanu (Lynwood, Ill./Vincennes University). The Huskies rallied from down as much as 10 in the first half and shot 52.2 percent (12-of-23) from the floor in the second half to claim the two-point win. 

Thornton is currently ranked 10th in the MAC in assists, dishing out 3.0 per contest, and tied for third in three-point percentage, shooting 46.2 percent from beyond the arc. The Bolingbrook, Ill., native is averaging 14.5 points per game over the last two contests. 

As a team, NIU is ranked second in the MAC, and 41st nationally, in three-point defense, holding opponents to just 29.3 percent shooting from beyond the arc. 

The Eagles bring a 7-7 overall record to DeKalb, including a 2-1 mark in league play after defeating Central Michigan, 99-68, last time out (Jan. 11). Three players are scoring in double figures for Eastern Michigan, led by Noah Farrakhan at 16.6 points per game. Monty Scott adds 13.9 points per contest while Bryce McBride is averaging 12.5 points per game.

Saturday's matchup is just the second home game of the season for NIU, as the Huskies had three scheduled home games canceled or postponed. Just one school nationally, Alcorn State, has yet to play a home game this season, while two other schools, Fairleigh Dickinson and Jackson State, join NIU having played at home just once this season. 

Tickets for all remaining NIU basketball games are on sale now, including the MAC Ticket Plan which includes reserved tickets for all Huskie men's basketball conference games for just $100. Purchase tickets today at NIUHuskies.com/MyHuskies or by calling 815-753-PACK (7225).

Fans are also encouraged to check out the Bud Light Victory Pub, located on the west end of the NIU Convocation Center, during Huskie basketball games. Enjoy the action from the high-top tables or comfortable couches with a selection of beer, wine and concessions options.