Nov. 14--2013-14 record: 15-17, 8-11 Mid-American Conference (4th in MAC West).
MAC tournament: Lost to Eastern Michigan in the second round.
NCAA tournament: Did not appear.
Key players: Leading scorer Dontel Highsmith (10.5 points per game), a sophomore guard, leads eight returning lettermen. Aaric Armstead, Travon Baker, Darrell Bowie and Jordan Threloff each started at least 21 games last season.
The talk: Fourth-year coach Mark Montgomery said he is encouraged this might be the year NIU takes a significant step forward in the Mid-American Conference.
Prediction: With good health and good fortune, the Huskies appear to be on a positive path that could get them over the .500 mark overall and in the conference.