The NIU women’s basketball team ends its five-game losing streak as they pick up a win on the road in Buffalo, New York, against the University at Buffalo Bulls, 72-62.

SECOND DAY OUT

Senior forward A’Jah Davis had a great second game back after being sidelined from her injury on Jan. 25 against Kent State University. Davis recorded a double-double with 18 points and 21 rebounds. She was aggressive from the beginning of the game as she had 10 points and eight rebounds in the first half.

“Anytime you can get second chance points, it’s always really good,” Davis said. “I think rebounding is a pride thing. That’s just really what I’ve been trying to do the last couple of games. Just being patient and letting things come to me. I take advantage of those opportunities.” 

The Huskies did a poor job of handling the ball in the first half as they had 11 turnovers. However, turning the ball over still didn’t prevent them from being in the game. Senior guard Chelby Koker was alongside Davis contributing points on the board as she scored nine points. 

Although NIU grabbed the win, turnovers were their Achilles’ heel. The Huskies recorded 17 total turnovers, compared to the Bulls’ eight turnovers.

“I told Chelby you just need to relax, play, and trust your volume of work that you’ve put into this game,” head coach Lisa Carlsen said.

Meanwhile, Buffalo graduate guard Re’Shawna Stone was taking matters into her own hands to help her team lead. Stone had 13 points in the first half, shooting 5-for-8. 

Despite Stone’s strong performance, the Huskies were up at the half 34-33.

TAKING CONTROL

NIU graduate guard Janae Poisson was alive in the second half as she recorded 12 points with nine of those points coming in the fourth quarter. 

NIU took charge in the second half shooting 12-for-28, 43%. The Huskies scored 19 points in each of the third and fourth quarters. 

“I think for the most part we really stayed locked in and overall I was really happy with the kids’ effort tonight,” Carlsen said.

The Huskies were able to get up to a 16-point lead and eventually won 72-62.

Buffalo fifth-year guard Zakiyah Winfield and Stone would finish with a game high of 19 points. The Huskies had three players in double digits, Davis with 18, and both Koker and Poisson with 15. 

The Huskies, who were only able to make over 10 three-pointers in seven games this season, recorded 11 three-pointers. Koker and Poisson drained three three-pointers, while redshirt sophomore Sidney McCrea and redshirt junior guard Grace Hunter knocked down two. 

LOOKING AHEAD

NIU now has an overall record of 11-10 and sits in 9th place in the Mid-American Conference with a 3-7 record. The Buffalo Bulls sit in 8th place in the MAC with a 4-6 record and an overall record of 9-10.

The Huskies return back home to the Convocation Center as they play at 6 p.m. Wednesday against the University of Akron Zips. Live statistics for the game will be available on Sidearm Sports and will be broadcasted via radio on The Varsity Network.