The NIU women’s basketball team continues to rack up the mileage as it continues its six-game road trip.

The Huskies (2-5) travel to Iowa to participate in the Hawkeye Classic this weekend. NIU tips off against Iowa (5-3) Saturday at 2 p.m. and faces either Wyoming or St. Joseph’s on Sunday.

NIU has not faced the Hawkeyes since 1994 and expects to encounter a bigger team heading into Carver-Hawkeye Arena.

“They have their size to their advantage,” said head coach Carol Owens. “They have big guards that can shoot the three. We have to counter their size with some speed in getting up and down the court.”

The Hawkeyes average 60.5 points per game and are led by 5-foot-6 guard Kristi Smith and 6-foot-2 forward Wendy Ausdemore, averaging 12.4 and 12.1 points a game, respectively.

The Huskies come into Saturday’s matchup averaging 52 points per game, and are led by sophomore guard Kylie York’s 13.3 points per game. With extra time to practice between matchups, the Huskies have been working on improving their offense.

“We wanted to work on a lot of things offensively,” Owens said. “The main thing we need to do is to continue to improve our offense, working on execution and just getting some easy shots in transition.”

A major problem for the Huskies is the lack of a point guard. Junior Jessie Wilcox is still nursing an injured right hand, and junior forward Aileen Rossouw is out with a sore ankle.

NIU has faced a tough schedule opening up the 2007 season, but continues to use it as a time to grow and gain more experience.

“We’re playing a lot of good teams this season and it’s benefiting us. We’re gaining a lot of experience,” said junior guard Shari’ Welton. “Iowa is a good team. Everyone on their team knows their roles. They’re bigger, but I think we’re a lot faster and I think we’re a little more athletic, so if we use that, and play smart, and take care of the ball, we should be fine.”

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