For the “new” NIU women’s basketball team, Thursday’s exhibition game at Chick Evans Field House produced much of the same “old” results as the Huskies humiliated Norway’s best, 97-48.

Propelled by the hanging of the 1989-90 North Star Conference Championship and the NCAA Tournament banners, the 1990-91 squad showed glimpses of last season’s team as they coasted over the Hoybraten, Norway team that has won 43 straight games back in Europe.

“For an opening game, I couldn’t be more pleased,” NIU coach Jane Albright said. “I think you saw a team that has the same personality of last year’s team and a team that is very, very serious about what we want to do.”

Prior to the tip-off, the Huskies watched last season’s successful campaign rise to the rafters of the fieldhouse. Albright and Co. gathered at center court as the banners hung overhead.

“It was a great way to start the year off,” Albright said. “As I hugged them, I told them ‘Let’s get another one, that one is history.'”

Although the personnel is different, the Huskies put 97 points on the board to a measly 48 for the Hoybraten, Norway touring team. That point total is 3 points better than 1989-90’s NCAA leading 94.5 points per game.

Four NIU starters scored in double figures for the Huskie attack. All-America candidate Lisa Foss led the way with 26 points and nine rebounds, while freshman Cindy Conner opened many eyes as she managed to tally 21 points and a team-high 11 boards with amazing versatility for a 6-1 player.

“No. 32 (Conner) is really special,” Norway coach Roy Porter said. “I’ve never seen Carol Owens play … but you’ll have fun watching her (Conner) for the next four years.”

Point-guard Denise Dove chipped in 14 points on 4-of-8 shooting from the 3-point line. The third starting guard, Toby Meeks, had 10 followed by eight points and seven rebounds from junior Tracy Mondek.

A significant contribution came from 6-1 Dianna Wingis off the bench. The sophomore played just 16 minutes, but muscled down 7 boards and grabbed five steals.

“Somebody that really doesn’t stand out in the statistics, that I think played a great game is Dianna Wingis,” Albright said. “I think you’re seeing somebody who’ll be a great player.”

The only negative aspect of the game, from the crowd’s point of view, was that NIU didn’t reach the century mark. Albright showed a little concern that NIU only shot 41 percent from the floor, but they did take 98 shots.