DEKALB, Ill. (Interstat) — A surging Miami (Ohio) team will look to extend its eight-game winning streak when it visits struggling Northern Illinois in a Mid-American Conference women’s basketball matchup Tuesday at the Convocation Center. The Redhawks (16-4, 8-0 MAC) have been the class of the conference, boasting a perfect league record anchored by a dominant defense. Their most recent victory was a 72-52 rout at Ball State on Saturday. Northern Illinois (4-15, 2-6) has lost three of its last four, including a 72-62 defeat at Eastern Michigan on Saturday. All eyes will be on Miami’s Ilse de Vries, who has been a force during the win streak. The standout is coming off a 23-point, 7-rebound performance against Ball State and has averaged 15.4 points over the last eight contests, often contributing as a rim protector. She will be matched against Northern Illinois’ top offensive threat, Nadechka Laccen. The Huskies’ guard is averaging 13.1 points in conference play and scored 18 in the loss to Eastern Michigan. The teams are trending in opposite directions. Miami’s streak includes several decisive victories, with only a 51-49 win at Bowling Green on Jan. 17 decided by fewer than 10 points. Northern Illinois has struggled to find consistency, with its two MAC wins coming by single digits at home against Buffalo and Western Michigan. For the Huskies, containing de Vries and Miami’s balanced attack will be critical. Amber Tretter (18 points vs. Ball State) and Tamar Singer (11 points, 8 assists) provide additional firepower for the Redhawks. Northern Illinois will need a major performance from Laccen and support from Emilie Sorensen (14 points vs. EMU) to challenge the conference leaders. Tip-off is set for 7 p.m. CST Tuesday. Following this game, Miami will host Ohio on Saturday, while Northern Illinois will prepare to host Central Michigan.