GAME NOTES: The Golden Flashes of Kent State will try to remain on top of the standings in the East Division of the Mid-American Conference when they host the Northern Illinois Huskies this afternoon at the M.A.C. Center. It has been a rough season for the Huskies, as the team has lost 16 of its 21 games on the year. Northern Illinois heads into this game with six losses in its last seven games, and are currently in the midst of a four-game losing skid. This past Tuesday the team fell to Buffalo by an 89-81 margin, and saw its league mark drop to 2-7 on the year. As for the Flashes, they are currently 7-2 in MAC action and that is good enough for the top spot in the East Division. Kent State has won eight of its last 10 games, including a thrilling, 64-61 overtime victory over Ball State this past Wednesday. The Golden Flashes have won 22 of the last 23 contests at the M.A.C. Center and a victory this afternoon will set a school record for home wins in a season. In terms of the all-time series between the two schools, the Golden Flashes have a 25-17 edge over Northern Illinois.

The Huskies have had plenty of trouble throughout the season offensively, as the team is producing just 65.0 ppg, while shooting a mere 40.9 percent from the floor. Jarvis Nichols is only shooting 39.1 percent from the floor, but the guard is still pacing the team with 10.3 ppg. Darion Anderson is chipping in 10.2 ppg on the year and is also pulling down 4.6 rpg, while leading the team with 52 assists. The last time NIU was on the court the team scored 81 points, but it was still not enough to grab a victory over Buffalo. In the eight point loss to the Bulls, the Huskies shot 41.0 percent from the floor, but committed a whopping 29 turnovers, which was the main reason for the setback. Nichols led the way with 22 points, while Shaun Logan added 16 points to go along with nine rebounds. Anderson chipped in 13 points in the loss.

The Golden Flashes are extremely balanced and head into this game netting 69.0 ppg, while surrendering only 62.2 ppg. In the recent victory over Ball State, KSU used its defensive play to collect the win, as the team held the Cardinals to just 61 points. In the three-point overtime win, the Flashes held Ball State to 38.6 percent shooting from the field. Al Fisher led the squad at the offensive end of the floor, netting a team-high 17 points. Mike Scott chipped in 14 points, while Chris Singletary tallied 13 points. Haminn Quaintance posted a double-double in the win, scoring 12 points, while pulling down an impressive 16 rebounds. Scott has been the top scoring threat throughout the season and is currently averaging 13.3 ppg to go along with 6.0 rpg. Manning the post has been Quaintance, who is netting 10.1 ppg, while also pacing the team with 8.0 rpg and 50 blocks.

The Huskies have had trouble offensively throughout the season, so there is no reason to expect Northern Illinois to have a breakthrough tonight against a very stingy Kent State squad.