DEKALB, Ill. – The Northern Illinois University men's basketball team welcomes Ball State to the NIU Convocation Center on Saturday, Feb. 28, as part of the Cram the Convo Doubleheader. The Huskie women's basketball team will open the day against Eastern Michigan at 1 p.m., followed by the NIU men's basketball game against Ball State. Both games will be available on ESPN+ along with WDKB 94-9 FM.

Numerous events and activities surround Saturday's doubleheader, including the NIU Alumni Association hosting a reception featuring networking, snacks, hot chocolate and raffles. RSVP for the Alumni Association reception here. 

Saturday's doubleheader is a Black Out, fans are encouraged to wear black to support the Huskies. Victor E. Threads is offering a 10 percent discount on all black apparel for the day. Fans can also bring a gently used clothing donation for The Huskie Closet and receive an exclusive 15 percent discount on any Victor E. Threads merchandise. 

Special concessions pricing will include $4 beers, seltzers and popcorn for both games.

Last time out for the Huskies at Toledo, Hassan 'Tre' Washington (Providence, R.I./Prise Academy) recorded a new career-high with 17 points, going 8-of-8 from the field. 

Gianni Cobb (Chicago, Ill./Homewood-Flossmoor) also had 17 points against the Rockets, Cobb is averaging 17.7 points, 4.3 assists and 3.7 rebounds per game over the last three contests, shooting 46.3 percent (19-of-41) from the field, 38.5 percent (5-of-13) from three and 83.3 percent (10-of-12) from the free-throw line.

Gustav Winther (Roskilde, Denmark) continues to lead the Mid-American Conference in field goal percentage, shooting 64.9 percent. Winther is shooting 82.4 percent (14-of-17) from the field over the last three games, averaging 9.7 points per game.

Makhai Valentine (Munhall, Pa./Steel Valley) has scored in double figures in 20 of the last 22 games. Valentine is NIU's leading scorer at 13.8 points per game, which ranks 19th in the MAC.  Valentine is also tied for 19th in the MAC in rebounding (5.4 rpg).

The Cardinals bring a 9-19 overall record into Saturday's contest, including a 4-11 mark in conference play. Ball State is coming off a 74-73 overtime win over UMass on Tuesday (Feb. 24). Two players score in double figures for Ball State, led by Davion Hill at 12.9 points per game. Ball State ranks second in the MAC, and 45th nationally, committing just 15.6 fouls per game.

This will be the 107th all-time meeting between NIU and Ball State. The home team has won each of the last three meetings in the series, including a 58-53 Cardinal win earlier this season (Jan. 24, 2026) in Muncie. 

NIU will be home again on Tuesday night, March 3, for the final home game of the season as the Huskies host Kent State. Game time against the Golden Flashes is scheduled for 7 p.m.