Ohio (8-6, 2-0 Mid-American Conference) is currently in the best stretch of its season thus far, bolstering its record after diminishing returns on a three-week road trip. The Bobcats have a four-game winning streak, have won six of their last seven games and are undefeated both at home and in the MAC.
With yet another matchup in The Convo against Northern Illinois, Ohio has a chance to boost its streak to five wins in a row, improving to 3-0 in the MAC and 6-0 at home. Here’s everything to know ahead of the matchup.
Game information
Opponent: Northern Illinois (4-10, 0-2 MAC)
Location: The Convocation Center (Athens, Ohio)
Time: Saturday at 1 p.m.
Where to watch: ESPN+
Follow live stats here
Meet the opponent
Head coach:
Rashon Burno (fourth season, 37-70 record)
Projected starters:
No. 1, Quentin Jones
No. 2, Tsvet Sotirov
No. 5, Kailon Nicholls
No. 14, James Dent Jr.
No. 15, Ethan Butler
Statistical leaders
Points: Jones (15.1 per game)
Rebounds: Dent Jr. (5.4 per game)
Assists: Jones (3.0 per game)
Steals: Quaran McPherson (1.2 per game)
Blocks: Jones (1.0 per game)
Field goal percentage: Jayden Mott (61.5%)
Three-point percentage: McPherson (41.4%)
Free-throw percentage: McPherson (77.8%)
Northern Illinois notes
The Huskies are lower than all but one team in the MAC standings. Inexperience and offensive struggles are the largest reason for this, as the team boasts just two seniors in its regular rotation: Dent Jr. and Joe Munden Jr., both in their first year with the program. Offensively, the Huskies’ 71.0 points per game is tied with Western Michigan for second-to-last in the MAC. In contrast with Ohio’s newly surging roster, which features a variety of familiar faces, it’s no wonder why Northern Illinois has struggled to secure wins.
Player to watch: James Dent Jr.
In his first season with the program after transferring from Western Illinois, Dent Jr. has made impressive contributions. In the two MAC matchups the Huskies have played thus far, Dent Jr. has stepped up for 19.0 points and 5.5 rebounds per game while the team’s leading scorer, Jones, has struggled. Ohio will need to avoid letting Dent Jr. get hot from three in order to keep its streak going.
