The game was supposed to be over.

With 45 seconds left, Western Michigan led the NIU women’s basketball team 78-70. NIU guard Stephanie Raymond had other things on her mind beside losing. And on her mind was eight straight points in a span of 18 seconds.

Raymond’s 18 seconds of glory started with a three-pointer. But it wasn’t just an everyday three.

Coming down court with WMU defenders blanketing her, Raymond looked like she might be in trouble.

As the junior reached the three-point arc, another defender jumped in front of her at the top of the key, prompting Raymond to launch a long three attempt.

With the ball still in the air, the referee called a foul on WMU. And when the shot hit, Raymond had a chance for a four-point play.

But her free-throw wasn’t as on target as her trey, bouncing off the front end of the rim.

Despite numerous WMU players vying for the rebound, Raymond managed to come down with it. Another shot, another whistle and Raymond was back at the line.

Yet Raymond didn’t fare much better on her second trip to the charity stripe, missing both shots.

But when the rebound came down again, Raymond had it in her hands. The junior fired up another shot and earned her third trip to the foul line.

This time, Raymond made both free-throws to cut the lead to 86-81.

After a defensive stop, the Huskies got the ball back. And Raymond was at it again.

She handled the ball up court, and without hesitation, fired another three. The ball kissed nothing but net and the Huskie fans rose to their feet.

With that shot, Raymond closed out her incredible eight point, 18-second scoring run.

After the game, Raymond explained what was going on during those 18 seconds.

“We were down,” the guard said. “I was just trying to make something happen. We wanted to make it a game.”

WMU coach Ron Stewart acknowledged how good Raymond is. The last thing he wanted to see was her play as well as she did.

“I have a strong appreciation for Stephanie,” Stewart said. “She is the key to what they do.”