From the opening tip until the final buzzer, the NIU women’s basketball team was in control Tuesday night.

The Huskies posted a commanding 87-60 victory over Central Michigan (4-12 overall, 0-3 MAC) at the Convocation Center, ending a four-game losing streak and notching their first conference win.

Forward Ebony Ellis led the way for NIU (5-11, 1-2) with a career high 17 points and 11 rebounds. The freshman was one of four Huskies scoring in double digits.

NIU Guard Jessie Wilcox was second on the team with 13 points. The junior also dished out five assists and swiped three steals.

“Overall, this was a very good team win,” NIU head coach Carol Owens said. “I’m very excited and proud of how we bounced back from Ball State.”

The Huskies shot 52 percent from the field and led by as many as 32 points in the contest. NIU also dished out a season high 23 assists and out-rebounded the Chippewas 40-28.

“I don’t know how in heaven’s name Northern Illinois was winless in conference,” said CMU head coach Sue Guevara. “I know they’ve been ahead some games and have lost the lead, but tonight they finally put it together. They put together two really solid halves.”

Owens attributed the dominating performance to a bit of extra practice. Owens has been experimenting all season with different combinations in the starting lineup and trying to find the best chemistry.

“They’ve put the work in,” Owens said. “[Assistant coach Molly] Murray worked with Ebony after practice working on her shot and working on finishing around the basket.”

Ellis posted her first career double-double Tuesday night.

“The practice helped,” Ellis said. “Finishing has been something I’ve been struggling with.”