If NIU’s 77-51 victory over the Evansville Purple Aces (2-2) is any indication of what this season is to bring, the Huskies will indeed reach that “Division I-A atmosphere” they desire.

In a game marked by stellar defensive play and outstanding shooting by the Huskies (2-1), the only question remaining by game’s end was if all the Huskies’ players would individually get on the scoreboard.

NIU began the contest against Evansville in resounding fashion by running off 12 straight points to quickly destroy Evansville’s game plan.

NIU’s Mike Lipnisky began the scoring by burying a three- point shot from the left wing. Donald Whiteside’s behind-the-back pass to a trailing Donnell Thomas and ensuing dunk capped the 12-0 run and brought the 1,803 fans at the Chick Evans Field House to their feet.

“The first 10 minutes (of the game) were as good as we’ve played in a long time,” NIU head coach Jim Molinari said. We played unselfish basketball and our seniors set the tone for the game.

“The Dog Pound and the rest of the fans also made a real difference. My vision for NIU is to make it a real Division I-A atmosphere and we had that tonight. The fans had a big impact on our good start.”

Evansville’s head coach Jim Crews was impressed by NIU’s play as well, especially on defense.

“They took away the things we usually get done,” said Crews. “They are really a good defensive team and they shoot the ball extremely well. I hope NIU has a good year. They’re a really good team.”

NIU’s offensive performance was especially impressive considering the poor performance just three days earlier at Minnesota. The Huskies rebounded Tuesday night to shoot 59 percent from the field, including a blistering 65 percent in the first half.

“We knew we had to concentrate on offense,” NIU guard Whiteside said. “We can’t just play for 30 or 32 minutes, but we have to keep up the intensity for 40 minutes.”

On defense, the Huskies displayed a suffocating defense that led to a 20-2 lead midway through the first half. NIU continued its defensive stranglehold in the second half holding Evansville to 42 percent shooting from the floor.

“I’m really proud of our team,” Molinari said. “I’m proud of how we handled the ball and how we shot 59 percent from the field.

“I couldn’t be happier with our seniors. They are the leaders, and they came out tonight to set the tone, and they knew what they had to do.”