DeKALB — Snapping an eight-game losing streak in Mid-American Conference play, NIU women’s basketball secured a 70-61 win over Eastern Michigan University on Saturday.
The Huskies’ last MAC win came over a month ago, when they defeated Western Michigan University at home on Jan. 21. NIU also snapped a four-game losing streak with its win over the Eagles.
“Really proud of our effort for 40 minutes tonight,” said NIU women’s basketball head coach Jacey Brooks. “I feel like it’s the most complete game we’ve played, which is encouraging. It’s the end of February, that’s when you want to be playing your best basketball, but I was just proud of our overall effort.”
NIU was able to win the turnover battle, committing 14 turnovers to the Eagles’ 19. The Huskies also swiped 11 steals, with five coming from graduate guard Nadechka Laccen.
The Huskies were also able to outshoot the Eagles from three, shooting 45% from beyond the arc compared to EMU’s 21%.
Six different NIU players made at least one three-pointer in Saturday’s win, with freshman guard Emilie Sorensen leading the team.
Despite securing the win over the Eagles, NIU was outrebounded 42-28 in the contest and 16-6 on the offensive glass. EMU also outscored NIU 19-3 in second-chance points.
Four of the five members of NIU’s starting lineup finished the game in double figures, with junior forward Neveah Wingate leading the charge.
Wingate finished with 21 points, four rebounds, three assists, four steals and a team-leading two blocks.
“It starts with my teammates, they helped me out a lot,” Wingate said. “Normally people try to double me on everything. So, I try to work around that and look for my teammates. Even though I didn’t have a great shooting night, I just tried to do my best.”
Senior guard Maria Serracanta recorded the first points and assists double- double for the Huskies since Dec. 4, 2021.
Serracanta finished the game with 12 points on a perfect 5-of-5 from the field and 1-of-1 from three while also dishing 11 assists.
“At first I was just finding my open teammates,” Serracanta said. “And since I was able to find them, I was able to get myself open so I just had to play more aggressively in the second half. The coaches have all the confidence in me so I just play.”
Freshman guard Sa’Mahn Johnson, making her first start in a month, contributed 10 points for the Huskies, going 3-of-7 from the field and 1-of-4 from three.
UP NEXT
The Huskies’ next game will be at 6 p.m. Wednesday against the University at Buffalo at the Convocation Center. The game will be streamed on ESPN+ and live stats will be available through SIDEARM Sports.
