DEKALB, Ill. (Interstat) — Two teams seeking to escape the Mid-American Conference cellar will meet Saturday when the Northern Illinois Huskies host the Akron Zips in a women’s basketball matchup. The game at the Convocation Center features a pair of teams with identical 5-19 overall records. Both squads are coming off double-digit losses earlier this week and will be looking to build momentum for the final stretch of the conference schedule. Akron (5-19) fell 86-79 at Central Michigan on Wednesday despite a 26-point performance from guard Shaena Brew. The Zips have shown sporadic offensive firepower, averaging 68.2 points per game, but have struggled defensively, allowing 77.1 points per contest. Brew has been a consistent bright spot for Akron. Over her last seven games, the guard is averaging 17.6 points and 4.4 assists, including a 26-point outing against Central Michigan and a 20-point game in a win over Buffalo on Jan. 31. Support has come recently from Monique Mitchell, who scored 23 points in the most recent loss. Northern Illinois (5-19) is reeling from a 75-54 home loss to Massachusetts on Tuesday. The Huskies’ offense has been anemic, ranking near the bottom of Division I with an average of 55.8 points per game. Their defense has been more respectable, conceding 67.5 points per game. A player to watch for the Huskies is Marta Hermoso. The guard logged 34 minutes and contributed 13 points and three assists in the loss to UMass. Her production has been variable, but she provides key minutes in the backcourt. Nevaeh Wingate, who scored 15 points against UMass, will also be relied upon for offensive creation. Historically, Northern Illinois has controlled this series, winning 12 of the last 15 meetings. The Huskies won both matchups last season. The game tips off at 2 p.m. EST on Saturday, Feb. 14, 2026. Following this contest, Akron will host Ohio on Feb. 18, while Northern Illinois travels to face Kent State on the same date.