With its seed already set in the MAC Tournament, the NIU women’s basketball team tried to play the roll of spoiler last night on the road.

Ball State had other ideas in mind, however, as it defeated the Huskies 76-70 in overtime.

“I thought our team played really well,” NIU head coach Carol Owens said. “We were disappointed we didn’t get this win.”

NIU (10-17 overall, 6-8 MAC) took a 22-21 lead into halftime, and the game remained close throughout the second half.

With 2.9 seconds left in the game, the Huskies trailed 61-58. NIU guard Jessie Wilcox heaved up a near half-court shot. The three hit true and the Huskies sent the game to overtime.

But NIU fell flat in overtime, shooting only 33 percent from the field while being outscored 15-9.

“Ball State did a great job,” Owens said. “[BSU guard Audrey] Mcdonald hit some big 3’s for them.”

Guard Shari’ Welton led the Huskies with 14 points in the contest.

Forward Mauvolyene Adams played 30 minutes off the bench, scoring 11 points and pulling down a team-high eight boards.

“Mauvolyene Adams was the most significant [player] in her minutes,” Owens said. “She rebounded big and scored when we needed her to.”

Wilcox and guard Kylie York both chipped in 12 points in the game.

“I’m proud of how our ladies played,” Owens said, despite the loss. “[I thought] we executed our plays well.

Ball State (15-14, 11-5) also had four players in double digits, with guard Porchia Green leading all scores with 19 points. Forward Julie DeMuth added 17 points for the Cardinals.

NIU plays again Monday at 1:30 p.m. in Cleveland to start the MAC Tournament.

The Huskies are seeded fourth in the western division and will play Kent State, the fifth seed from the east.

“This is the part [of the season] that counts,” Owens said. “We want to be there as long as we can.”

NIU won its only matchup with Kent State this season 83-74 in overtime.

If NIU wins, it would advance to play east top-seed Bowling Green Tuesday. Ball State, with its victory over NIU, secured the first seed from the west.

“We’re excited to be able to go out and compete,” Owens said. “[The team] has confidence. They have to believe in their ability and what they can do.”