Miami RedHawks (8-6; 0-1 MAC) vs Northern Illinois Huskies (8-6; 1-0 MAC)
Game 15: Tuesday, January 8 • 7 p.m.
Millett Hall (6,400) • Oxford, Ohio
Series vs. NIU/Streak: Miami leads 32-16/Miami-1
Last Meeting: Miami 81 NIU 65, February 3, 2018
TV: ESPN+ • Steve Baker (PxP) Randy Hollowell (Color) Emily Simanskis (Sideline)
Radio: Miami IMG Sports Network • Terry Bridge (PxP) John McKenna (Color)
Miami IMG Sports Network Affiliates: WMOH 1450 Hamilton; WFMG 101.3 Richmond; WONE 980 Dayton
 
OXFORD, Ohio - The Miami University men's basketball team looks to get its first Mid-American Conference victory as is hosts Northern Illinois Tuesday. Tip time is 7 p.m. and it will air live on ESPN+. An audio broadcast will be available on the RedHawk IMG Sports Network Tunein App.

DEFENSE MATTERS: While the RedHawk offense has been relatively consistent in the majority of its games this season, it has been their performance on the defensive end that has often proved to be the difference between a win and a loss this season. In Miami's eight victories, it is giving up 61.9 points per game and holding opponents to a .389 shooting percentage. In its six losses, it is giving up 81.2 points per game and its opponents are shooting .509 against it.

STARTING LINEUP PRODUCING RESULTS: The RedHawks have used the starting lineup of Darrian Ringo, Jalen Adaway, Nike Sibande, Dalonte Brown and Bam Bowman in 12 out of the 14 games this season. That combination has been on the court for a total of 118:47. They have scored 212 points during that time and have given up a total of 184 for a plus minus rating of +28. Individually, Sibande has the highest plus minus total on the team. In the 406:03 he has been on the floor, Miami has scored 806 points and has given up 734 to give him a plus minus rating of +72.

ABOUT NORTHERN ILLINOIS: The Huskies are 8-6 overall and 1-0 in the MAC. They have alternated wins and losses for their past 11 games. In their MAC opener on Saturday they came back from a 13-point halftime deficit to defeat Ohio in overtime, 72-66. Averaging nearly 80 points per game as a team, Northern Illinois is led by junior guard Eugene German. He averages 20.5 points per game. Another key player is senior wing Levi Bradley. He is averaging 15.8 points and 6.6 rebounds per contest.

THE SERIES WITH NORTHERN ILLINOIS: The RedHawks hold a 32-16 lead in the all-time series with the Huskies. Last season on Feb. 3, 2018 in DeKalb, Miami jumped to a double-digit lead early and cruised to an 81-65 victory. Nike Sibande led the RedHawks with 20 points, while Jalen Adaway contributed 17 in the win.

UP AHEAD: For the third time this season the RedHawks will be seen on national television as they hit the road for the first time in MAC play. Miami travels to 19th-ranked Buffalo on Saturday for a noon tip. The game will air live on CBS Sports Network. An audio broadcast will be available on the RedHawk IMG Sports Network Tunein App.