Every time the NIU women’s basketball team made a run, Eastern Michigan seemed to have an answer Wednesday night at the Convocation Center.

The Eagles hit key free throws down the stretch to knock off the Huskies 61-53 and even the season series at one apiece.

“I thought we were much better equipped to handle their defense this time around,” EMU coach Suzy Merchant said. “We didn’t panic and it affected the outcome of the game.”

The Eagles, who rank second-to-last in free-throw percentage in the MAC, converted six-of-seven from the charity strike in the last 1:50.

The Huskies, who trailed 35-22 at the half, used back-to-back three-pointers by guards Mary Basic and Keishonda Williamson to put together an 18-5 run and tie the game at 40.

However, a three-pointer by sophomore Annie Malatinsky regained the lead for the Eagles (14-3 overall, 4-2 MAC) and put the Huskies down for good.

“If there were any heroes for Eastern, [Malatinsky] was the one,” NIU coach Carol Hammerle said. “She was huge and the game could’ve been different if she wasn’t hitting so well.”

The Eagles out-rebounded the Huskies 38-22 and held a 17-4 advantage on the offensive boards.

“I’m really proud of the fact that we held them to four offensive rebounds, because those extra putbacks can take the wind out of your sails,” Merchant said.

Sophomore guard Stephanie Raymond led the Huskies (6-11, 3-3) with 15 points and three steals while Basic chipped in with nine points.

“Our team is scrappy, but we were out-hustled tonight,” Basic said. “It was a lack of communication on all parts really.”