Ohio’s looking for a fresh start. After its win streak was snapped over the weekend, it’ll host Northern Illinois on Tuesday night for a chance to shake off its first loss in the Mid-American Conference.
The Bobcats (14-3, 5-1 MAC) are stepping into another game against one of the struggling teams of the MAC. The Huskies (5-10, 2-3 MAC) have the worst scoring offense and the second-worst team field goal percentage in the conference. They’ve cobbled together a pair of wins against Kent State and Eastern Michigan, the former being their only conference win on the road.
Here’s what you need to know about the Huskies’ ahead of Tuesday’s game:
Game information
Opponent: Northern Illinois
Venue: The Convo
Time: 7 p.m.
Watch: ESPN+
Listen: Ohio IMG Sports Network
Live stats: Live stats are provided here.
Meet the opponent
Probable starters
01 Trendon Hankerson
02 Kaleb Thornton
13 Adong Makuoi
24 Darweshi Hunter
50 Anthony Crump
Individual statistical leaders
Points: Keshawn Williams (15.7 points per game)
Rebounds: Crump (4.8 rebounds per game)
Assists: Thornton (3.8 assists per game)
Field goal percentage: Edward Manuel (53.8%)
3-point percentage: Manuel (57.1%)
Free throw percentage: Manuel (90.9%)
Team statistical profile
Points per game: 62.5
Rebounds per game: 31.5
Assists per game: 10.8
Turnovers per game: 15.3
Field goal percentage: 40.9%
3-point percentage: 36.1%
Free throw percentage: 64.2%
The series
Ohio leads the all-time series 36-22. The two programs last met Jan. 5, 2021, in Athens, where Ohio defeated Northern Illinois 76-73. Both teams have split the last 10 meetings, but Ohio holds a 3-1 record over that span while playing in The Convo.
Player to watch
Hankerson — He’s prone to low-scoring nights, but Hankerson has evened out a bit in Northern Illinois’ conference slate. He’s averaged 13.3 points over his last four games, and he’s shooting 56.7% from the field in that same span. Hankerson also leads the MAC in steals, which might prove dangerous to Ohio on Tuesday.
