Sophomore guard Kristan Knake had what she called her best game of the season against Bowling Green State.

Knake’s play was best described in four words by Bowling Green head coach Dee Knoblauch.

“Kristan Knake killed us,” Knoblauch said.

Knake’s stat line backed up her point of view. The sophomore guard ended up with a game-high 21 points on 7-of-13 shooting, 4-of-4 free throws and 3-of-6 from the three-point line.

Along with leading the game in scoring, she had 6 rebounds — 3 of which were offensive — 2 steals, a block and a game-high 7 assists with no turnovers.

“I wanted to win, so I was busting my butt,” said the sophomore guard. “Now I know how I can play and how I can help my teammates play by doing those little things.”

It was the first game Knake didn’t run the point since winter break, but she put up point guard statistics. She was able to get all of her teammates involved in the game, and was the main reason that NIU had a positive assist-to-turnover ratio for the first time this season.

In the second half, Knake was involved in about every play. She started off the second half by alternating baskets and assists and had another stretch where she hit 2 baskets, including a 3-pointer that put NIU back up 8 points to keep the Huskies in control of the game.

“This whole season I really haven’t been pleased with my own game,” Knake said. “Not one game have I really been pleased with everything I’ve done whether it be defense or offense, and tonight I came out there really focused for this game.”

Knake played outstanding defense to go along with her excellent offense. She and fellow guard Monique Davis held the Bowling Green backcourt to 1 point on 0-of-12 shooting from the field.

“Carol’s been saying all year that to make your game better you need to do the little things,” said Knake. “And that’s what I did tonight.”