Jan. 9, 2008

Final Stats

Box Score in PDF Format

YPSILANTI, Mich.-The Northern Illinois University women's basketball team was defeated by Eastern Michigan Wednesday night at EMU's Convocation Center, 61-42, in the Huskies' Mid-American Conference opener.

Both teams played a sloppy first half of basketball, combining for more than 30 turnovers. In fact, there were as many turnovers in the half as points scored. The Huskies (4-10, 0-1) had 17 miscues, while the Eagles had 15. NIU shot 29 percent from the field and EMU was connected on 26 percent of its shots.

EMU (7-6, 1-0) went 6-9 from the charity stripe, while NIU failed to get to the line in the first half. Eastern Michigan's Colleen Russell accounted for half of the Eagles' first half points. The Huskies went into the break down, 20-12, their lowest first half point total this season.

The two teams struggled with turnovers in the second half as well, but Eastern Michigan was able to overcome their mistakes with solid free throw shooting. EMU went 9-13 from the line in the second half. The Eagles also improved their shooting from the field, connecting on 60 percent of its shots in the second half to finish the game shooting 42.3 percent from the field.

The Eagles' transition and inside games proved to be the difference in the game. EMU had 22 fast break points to the Huskies' 10 and 36 points in the paint to NIU's 20. While NIU lost the turnover battle, 28-25, the Huskies outscored the Eagles 19-15 in points off turnovers.

"We had 28 turnovers, and that's been our nemesis all year," NIU head coach Carol Owens said. "We've got to continue to work on that and find ways to be stronger and understand teams are going to press us."

The Huskies shooting woes continued in the second half. NIU shot 31.6 percent in the second half, finishing the game shooting 30.5 percent. The Huskies did get to the line in the second half, hitting four of seven.

EMU's Russell led all scorers with 16 points, while Shari' Welton (Calumet City, Ill./Thornwood) led the way for the Huskies with 13 points and six rebounds. Senior Whitney Lowe (Bushnell, Ill./Prairie City) was the only other Huskie to finish in double figures with 11 points and six boards.

"I think Shari' has definitely stepped up her game," Owens said. "She always has the toughest assignment, guarding the other team's best player. My hat goes off to her. She played a lot of minutes. She's working hard."

The Huskies will be back to the court Saturday Jan. 12, 2008 when the Huskies welcome the Cardinals of Ball State. Tip off is set for 2 p.m. at the Convocation Center. Fans can follow all the action with Bill Baker on 1360 AM WLBK.