Powered by eight-straight late-game points by graduate student guard Chelby Koker, NIU women’s basketball fended off the Western Michigan University Broncos’ attempt at a comeback Saturday, defeating the Broncos by a score of 60-51.

With the win, NIU improves to an overall record of 12-12 while picking up its third-straight road win. Now 5-7 in the MAC, the Huskies are currently tied for the eight seed in the MAC and in position to achieve a postseason berth for the ninth consecutive season. 

“I told the players before the game, ‘it’s not always going to be free’ and we understand that,” women’s basketball head coach Lisa Carlsen said. “I was really proud of how hard we fought throughout the entire 40 minutes and that’s really important for us now and going through the rest of it (the remaining schedule).” 

As for Western Michigan, the Broncos fall to an overall record of 10-13, while sinking to 6-6 in the MAC.

Koker was the driving factor in the Huskies’ victory, finishing with a game-leading 20 points. Koker consistently extinguished the Broncos’ comeback efforts by delivering momentum-shifting plays to keep NIU in control throughout.

“I think I played a solid game,” Koker said. “It’s always important to stay balanced and read what the defense is giving you. So, I just tried to stay patient and wait for things to develop and then take advantage of that.”

Graduate forward Brooke Stonebraker and senior guard Laura Nickel rounded out the Huskies’ double-digit scorers, each finishing with 11 points. Nickel was a pest to the Broncos defensively, picking up a game-leading 3 steals. 

“She (Nickel) did a great job,” Koker said. “She got three stops in a row by herself. So, I think whenever you have somebody who puts that much effort on the defensive end, that really helps the team.” 

Despite picking up the win, NIU was freezing cold from behind the arc. The MAC-leading three-point shooting team shot 25% from three, making only 4 of their three-point attempts. Western Michigan yielded nearly identical results, going 23.5% from three after making only 4 of its attempts.

As both teams suffered a dry spell from three-point range, rebounding and defense became a deciding factor. The Huskies rose to the occasion, stifling Western Michigan’s offense. 

NIU also won the rebounding battle 34-28, led by Stonebraker and Koker, who each garnered a team-leading 7 rebounds. 

“Those boards are always super, super important,” Stonebraker said. “It’s (rebounding) one of those things that you don’t always notice, but they make a huge impact in the game. So, being able to put up a higher number there really helps the team.” 

Despite getting held to zero points in the first half, Western Michigan junior guard Marina Asensio nearly spoiled the Huskies’ victory. Asensio finished the game reaching 10 points while also contributing 2 rebounds and 2 assists. 

FIRST HALF

The first quarter was back-and-forth, featuring multiple lead changes. The Huskies weathered the storm, exiting the frame with a 12-11 lead. Despite the first quarter lead, NIU failed to make a three-point attempt throughout the frame.

The Huskies warmed up in the second quarter, dominating throughout the ten minutes. NIU promptly ignited a 12-4 run, beginning to pull away with a nine-point lead. 

An acrobatic, turnaround jump shot by redshirt sophomore forward Brooke Blumenfeld handed NIU its first double-digit lead of the day. 

The Huskies’ 28-17 lead lasted for all of a minute and a half, though, before Western Michigan chipped away at NIU’s lead with a pair of jumpshots. Despite the effort, the Broncos faced a 28-21 deficit going into the second half. 

SECOND HALF

The Broncos regained some momentum in the third quarter, sparking a 9-2 run midway through the frame. 

Initiated with an Asensio layup, she also capped off the run with a three-pointer, trimming NIU’s lead to just one point. The Broncos continued to apply pressure, tying the game with a free throw. 

Western Michigan took a 43-40 lead shortly into the fourth quarter, taking their first lead since midway through the first quarter. Asensio granted the Broncos the lead, drilling a go-ahead three-pointer. 

The Huskies regained the lead quickly with their second three-pointer of the day by freshman guard Lexi Carlsen. Shortly after, Koker parlayed Lexi Carlsen’s three with a three of her own, giving NIU a four-point lead. 

From there, Koker began to dominate, scoring five-straight to eclipse 20 points and conclude an 8-0 run. Koker’s late-game shooting clinic gave NIU a comfortable 56-47 lead heading into the final minutes. 

From there, NIU held firm, sealing the 60-51 victory. 

UP NEXT

The Huskies resume conference play for their third-straight road game, taking on Ohio University at 6 p.m. Wednesday in Athens, Ohio. The game will be streamed on ESPN+, listening will be provided by NIU All-Access and live stats will be available through StatBroadcast.