NIU freshman starting point guard Stephanie Raymond was taken to the hospital for a bruised back she suffered in Saturday’s win against Central Michigan at the Convocation Center. In her place, senior Monique Davis had 11 points, four steals and three assists.

Raymond got injured when she planted herself in front of Central Michigan’s Casey Manning and drew a charging foul that sent her flying off her feet. Raymond’s head bounced off the floor as she hit the hardwood. The point guard held the back of her head as she lay on her stomach, grimacing in pain.

The crowd of 1,500 was silenced by the event until Raymond was helped off the court into the locker room.

She was taken to Kishwaukee Community Hospital for precautionary testing on her lower back.

“She didn’t practice today,” NIU coach Carol Hammerle said on Sunday. “She seems to be doing OK, but she’s really bruised right now.”

Raymond played eight minutes, finishing with two points, a block and a rebound.

Hammerle said Raymond needs to get clearance from a university doctor before she can play in Tuesday’s home finale against Ball State.

“Stephanie [Raymond’s] status is hopeful for Tuesday,” Hammerle said. “I’m waiting to hear more before I can decide if she’ll play, but if the game were Monday instead of Tuesday, I’d have to go with Monique.”

Davis took over the point guard role on Saturday after Raymond left the game. Davis started at point guard for all but nine games in her first three seasons, before being replaced by Raymond on Dec. 6 against Wisconsin-Milwaukee.

In 34 minutes of action, Davis committed zero turnovers.

“Steph [Raymond] does mean a lot,” Davis said. “When I went in there, I just did what I do every game. I play aggressive, good defense and the ball seemed to drop in there today.”

Central Michigan coach Eileen Kleinfelter was impressed by Davis and the way she filled in for the position she once held.

“I give that Davis girl a lot of credit for stepping up and playing point guard,” Kleinfelter said.