A season high for NIU women’s basketball came on the same night that two of its players achieved season highs.

The Huskies (9-9 overall, 4-1 MAC) moved into a tie for first place in the MAC West after they defeated the Ball State Cardinals 76-72 Wednesday at the Convocation Center. NIU was led by senior Jessie Wilcox who scored a season-high 20 points, and redshirt sophomore Marke Freeman with a season-high seven assists. The Huskies also shot over 50 percent from the floor for the first time this season.

The victory over the Cardinals (11-7, 4-1) brings the Huskies even with the Toledo Rockets who defeated Central Michigan Wednesday.

“It was important to this team,” said NIU head coach Carol Owens. “This is the first time we’ve beaten Ball State. There wasn’t a whole lot that I needed to say to prepare them to get the energy. They were ready to play.”

NIU was able to exploit a lack of depth on the Ball State bench and relied on its own depth to record a 27-4 advantage in bench points.

“I guess I just try to come hard off the bench and give a spark,” Freeman said. “My coaches constantly ask me if I’m ready. I was just trying to make sure I made a difference when I got out there.”

With only four bench points, Ball State’s bench was not nearly as productive.

“One of the best shooters in Ball State history, Audrey [McDonald]… It’s the first time since I’ve been at Ball State that I’ve seen her struggle the way she did,” said Ball State head coach Kelly Packard. “When your key shooter doesn’t have a good night, you have to have other people step up. We just didn’t get that tonight.”

The Huskies were able to get contributions from all over the floor including an emotional performance from sophomore Mauvolyene Adams. The Bolingbrook native nearly posted a double-double with 10 points and nine rebounds. Adams was one of eight Huskies to make more than two field goals.

“When you have so many weapons on the floor, they’re going to give something up every once in a while,” Wilcox said. “We just played together, and when you play together there are going to be open shots.”