Women’s hoops looks to extend winning streak

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NIU’s Amanda Corral “22”

By Matt Hopkinson

If previous performances play any part in predicting games to come, expect more excitement from NIU women’s basketball.

The Huskies (2-1) will take on Bradley (3-2) 7 p.m. Wednesday at the NIU Convocation Center.

This game will be the third of a three game home-stand for the Huskies in which they have won the first two.

The team will look to go a perfect three-for-three at home so far.

NIU has had two big, emotional wins at home, which have served to bring unity to a team of many new faces.

“The win over Temple was a great team win,” said senior guard Courtney Shelton. “Big wins against big teams like that have helped us come together. It gives us confidence going forward.”

As well as being a very young team, Bradley will come into this match with more game experience, having played two more games than the Huskies.

“We’re just going to come in hard,” Shelton said. “They’re going to be a tough team. We’re looking to match their intensity and go above and beyond.”

In their previous match-up, the Huskies’ team defense shone through, which is a key going forward for every game.

“All the little things that go into the system that coach [Kathi Bennett] has been teaching us, we’re putting it together now.” Shelton said.

In the matchup between the two teams last season, Bradley won 57-48.

In the last game against Temple, NIU lost by a larger margin of defeat than this upcoming game against Bradley.

NIU was able to win by relying on a total team effort by rotating players defensively to help and group rebounding.

The Huskies will look toward their youth and bench players to step up once again in this match-up.

“They’re in the gym a lot. It’s good to see that want to get better and the will to get after it on the court,” Shelton said. “I think there has been a big improvement since the beginning and it will be to our advantage as the season goes on.”