DeKALB | “Got SKMM?”

The first 200 fans entering the Convocation Center Wednesday night received a free T-shirt with a cryptic message.

No, “SKMM” wasn’t a typo for “SKIM.” The awkward arrangement of letters represented the first initials of the four seniors playing their final game at the Convocation Center for the NIU women’s basketball team.

“S” is for Stephanie Raymond.

“She’s the heart and soul of the team,” Ball State head coach Tracy Roller said of the 5-foot-5 guard from Rockford.

“K” is for Kristin Wiener, the 6-foot-3 forward who was on the court every moment of the game, minus the final 34.5 seconds.

“M” is for Mary Basic who, despite having an injured left thumb, grabbed two rebounds and blocked a shot in NIU’s narrow loss to the Cardinals.

And “M” is for…wait, what is the final “M” for? Oh, yes, it’s for the other senior. The one who the media, fans and others alike may have let fall through the crack. While attention was spread to the other three seniors, she sat on the bench, waiting for the game that she would be needed.

This was the game Margaret Batteast got to take the floor.

“It felt really good. I’m glad the coaches gave me the opportunity,” Batteast said. “I don’t think the coaches gave me the opportunity because it was senior night. I think they knew I could play.”

The first recruit of NIU head coach Carol Owens showed she could play by setting a career high in points and assists. Playing 20 minutes in her final home game, Batteast scored eight points, nabbed three rebounds and dished out three assists.

“Margaret helped us tonight,” Owens said. “Mary wasn’t 100 percent with her hand. Margaret stepped up for us.”

From hitting a three as she entered the game in the first half to eying her competition and grabbing a steal, there was no better way for this “M” to say goodbye to home.

That is, except, to leave with a win.