Preview: Northern Illinois at Saint Thomas (Minn.) Women’s Basketball SAINT PAUL, Minn. (Interstat) — The Saint Thomas Tommies look to return to the win column and improve their record above .500 at home when they host the struggling Northern Illinois Huskies in a nonconference women’s basketball game Monday at Schoenecker Arena. The Tommies (6-7) enter the contest following a 58-40 home loss to Northern Iowa on Dec. 21, which snapped a five-game winning streak. During that stretch, Saint Thomas averaged 82.6 points per game, including a 112-point outburst against Crown College. Mikayla Werner, a player to watch for the Tommies, is coming off a team-high 9 points, 3 assists and 2 blocks against Northern Iowa. Northern Illinois (2-9) seeks to end a six-game losing streak, with its last victory coming against Chicago State on Nov. 24. The Huskies are coming off an 89-51 road loss at Central Michigan on Dec. 20. Guard Emilie Sorensen, the Huskies’ key player, has been a consistent contributor, scoring 17 points in a loss to Fort Wayne on Dec. 14 and logging 37 minutes in the defeat at Central Michigan. This matchup presents a contrast in recent momentum. Saint Thomas has found success at Schoenecker Arena, going 5-2 at home this season. Northern Illinois remains winless on the road (0-7) and has struggled offensively during its skid, failing to score more than 61 points in any of the six losses. For Saint Thomas, the focus will be on reigniting its efficient offense that was present during its win streak. For Northern Illinois, breaking its road drought will require improved scoring output and containing Werner and the Tommies’ attack. This is the first-ever meeting between the two programs. Following this game, Saint Thomas opens Summit League play at South Dakota State on Jan. 1. Northern Illinois begins Mid-American Conference action at home against Ball State on Jan. 3. Tipoff is scheduled for 7 p.m. Central Time on Monday, Dec. 29.