The NIU women’s basketball team returns home tonight and looks to rebound from its first loss of the season.

The 1-1 Huskies tip-off against Western Illinois University (1-0) tonight at 7 p.m. at the Convocation Center. NIU defeated the Westerwinds 62-45 last season and holds the series lead over WIU 21-15.

Turnovers have been a problem for the Huskie offense. NIU has turned the ball over 55 times in the season’s first two games, 26 of which came in its loss at Chicago State Monday.

“We’ve been concentrating in practice on executing our offense,” said head coach Carol Owens. “We need to execute our offense a little better and that will help us take care of the ball.”

Controlling the ball will be key against the Westerwinds, as Owens expects them to pressure on defense. She also said the Huskies will need to be a little more aggressive on the offensive side.

Guard Kylie York provides a spark for the Huskie offense. The sophomore averages 12 points a game and has hit seven of eight from behind the three-point arc.

The Huskies will also need to counter Western Illinois’ offense tonight. According to Owens, they are a team that likes to get out and run the floor.

“They shoot the ball well and they want to push the ball in transition,” Owens said. “We have to protect the three-point line by getting a hand in their face and make sure they don’t get any open shots, especially in transition.”

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