NIU vs. Ball State scouting report

Northern Illinois (9-19, 5-10) at Ball State (17-12, 9-6)

When: 1 p.m. at Worthen Arena

Radio: WSCR 670-AM, WJOL 1340-AM, WLBK 1360-AM

The skinny: The Huskies are hoping to maintain their momentum going into next week’s MAC tournament. NIU, riding its first two-game winning streak since mid-January despite playing without leading scorer Xavier Silas, already has locked up the No. 10 seed in the tourney and will hit the road Tuesday to face the No. 7 seed. Ball State, on the other hand, still has a chance to win the MAC West crown. The Cardinals, coached by former West Aurora great Billy Taylor, trail Western Michigan by 1 game heading into this regular-season finale.

Lindsey Willhite