Jan. 11, 2008

Complete Release in PDF Format

DEKALB, Ill. -The Northern Illinois University women's basketball team returns to the Convocation Center to play host to defending MAC West Champion Ball State Saturday afternoon.

The Huskies (4-10, 0-1) look to bounce back from a 61-42 loss to Eastern Michigan in the Huskies' conference opener Wednesday night. Northern Illinois returns to the Convocation Center after wrapping up a three-game, three-state road trip. The trip began in Indianapolis and ended in Michigan, with the Huskies going 0-3 on the trip. The Huskies played 10 of their first 14 games away from the Convo to open the 2007-08 campaign.

The Cardinals (5-9,1-0) are in the midst of a two-game road swing that began at Western Michigan. Like the Huskies, Ball State played 10 of its first 14 games on the road. Ball State comes into Saturday's game having defeated Western Michigan, 84-70 in its conference opener Wednesday night.

Junior Shari' Welton is coming off two solid performances, posting a career-high 15 points against Illinois State and following that up with 13 points against Eastern Michigan. She is averaging 8.1 points a game and 4.1 rebounds a game. Kylie York continues to lead the Huskies in scoring, averaging 10.7 points a game. York, a sophomore, is ninth on the Huskies' all-time three-point field goals made list, hitting 82 so far for her career.

Ball State has three players averaging in double figures with Porchia Green leading the way averaging 12.3 points a game and 5.9 rebounds a game. Julie DeMuth is right behind her, averaging 11.8 points a game, while Lisa Rusche is averaging 10.6 points a game and 5.9 rebounds a game.

Tip off for Saturday is set for 2 p.m. at the Convocation Center. Fans can follow all the action with Bill Baker live on 1360 AM WLBK.

Saturday's game is also Alumnae Day. All former Northern Illinois University basketball players, coaches and managers are invited to attend. The NIU Varsity Club Cardinal and Black Women's Basketball Alumnae Game will take place at 11 a.m.

J.J. Jumper, the official basketball mascot of the National Collegiate Athletic Association, will be visiting NIU Saturday. J.J. will be available to sign autographs from 1:30-1:50 p.m. and will perform throughout the game as part of the NCAA's commitment to promote youth basketball participation and sportsmanship.