Women’s basketball (2-1, 0-0 MAC) defeated Eastern Illinois University (1-4) at home Tuesday with a final score of 79-63.

NIU shot 51 percent (30-58) from the field and controlled the majority of the game in terms of paint and glass play. The Huskies out rebounded the Panthers 49–25.

Redshirt sophomore forward Jazmine Harris led NIU in scoring with 21 points. Harris also had three rebounds and two assists. Sophomore forward Kelly Smith put on yet another strong performance with 16 points, nine rebounds and five assists. Freshman guard/forward Courtney Woods came off the bench shooting 5-5 for 13 points, two assists, two rebounds and snagged a steal. Redshirt senior forward Natecia Augusta scored ten points, grabbed six rebounds, blocked two shots and picked up an assist. Junior guard Ally Lehman dominated on defensive with 14 total rebounds along with eight points, five assists and a steal.

Harris is coming off an Achilles tendon injury during the 2014-2015 preseason, returning to be a big part of the Huskies’ success so far.

“I think I had a lot of work to do,” she said. “More so on the defensive end, but I think I just need to focus on being consistent and giving my effort, like I did tonight, in every game. It feels good (to be back). In practice, we run a lot, so I’m always excited to perform on game day.”

The Panthers shot 37.9 percent from the field, led by redshirt junior guard Shakita Cox with 16 points.

“I thought we came out of the locker room and really played well on both ends fairly consistently,” said head coach Lisa Carlsen. “Defensively, I think it was really key for us. We did a really good job of keeping their perimeter players out of the paint, which I think is huge for them offensively. I think that led to opportunities for us offensively. On both ends of the floor, I like their energy. I thought the kids played really hard and we’re continuing to get better everyday.”

The Huskies will participate in the SMU Thanksgiving Classic this weekend, competing against Kansas at 8 p.m. Friday in Dallas, Texas.