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GAME NOTES: In desperate need of a victory, the Northern Illinois Huskies will host the Ball State Cardinals this afternoon in a Mid-American Conference skirmish at the NIU Convocation Center.

The last time the Cardinals were on the floor the team suffered an embarrassing, 76-42 setback to Kent State. It was the second consecutive setback for Ball State, which fell to a mediocre 6-5 in conference play.

As for the Huskies, they have suffered seven straight losses, including a 73-69 setback to Bowling Green in their last matchup. After starting league play with a 4-0 mark, the team has now dropped to 4-7 in MAC action.

Earlier this season the Huskies grabbed a 62-48 victory over Ball State, but despite the loss the Cardinals still own a 41-31 edge over Northern Illinois in the all-time series.

The Cardinals were dreadful the last time they were in action, as the team shot a meager 28.8 percent from the floor, en route to a 42-point performance in a loss against Kent State. Not one player finished in double figures for Ball State, as Terrence Watson led the way with eight points. Jarrod Jones finished with just six points and eight rebounds in the setback. Jones has been the top player on the floor for Ball State, as the forward is leading the team with 12.2 ppg and 7.7 rpg. However, as a whole the Cardinals have put forth a lackluster effort offensively, as the team is producing just 59.7 ppg.

The Huskies have also endured problems at the offensive end of the floor, as the team is netting just 67.6 ppg, behind a lackluster 40.7 percent shooting effort. Xavier Silas has clearly been the top player on the floor for NIU, as the guard is netting 18.9 ppg, to go along with 5.1 rpg. Darion Anderson is the only other player netting double figures for the Huskies and comes into this game with 11.1 ppg and a team-best 80 assists and 6.5 rpg. The last time the Huskies were on the floor the team shot 44.1 percent, but finished on the wrong end of a 73-69 decision against Bowling Green. Sean Kowal led the way with 18 points, while Michael Patton added 17 points. Silas contributed 10 points, despite shooting just 3-of-13 from the floor.

The Huskies are stuck in a miserable slump, but look for the team to bounce back into the win column this afternoon against a weak Ball State squad.