Nov. 17, 2009

CLEVELAND - After a career night in an 86-73 win over Bradley, Northern Illinois women's basketball forward Ebony Ellis was named Mid-American Conference West Division Player of the Week, the conference announced Tuesday.

The junior native scored a career-high 22 points and totaled 17 rebounds, the second-most of her Huskie career, in Northern Illinois' season opening win over Bradley. Ellis (Joliet, Ill./Joliet Township) went 9-of-13 from the field in 29 minutes of action, and her rebounding total included nine on the offensive glass.

Ellis' impressive performance got even better with the game on line. With the game tied at 65 and just under six minutes remaining, Ellis scored consecutive baskets to put the Huskies on top for good. Over the last six minutes, she poured in nine points to carry Northern Illinois to a 13-point victory.

The 11th player in NIU history to garner MAC Player of the Week Honors, Ellis achieved the ninth double-double of her career and led Northern Illinois in rebounding for the 31st time with her performance against the Braves.

Ellis' game wasn't the only impressive output from a Huskie. Junior Marke Freeman (Springfield, Ill./Lanphier) tallied a career-high 21 points, while forward Mauvolyene Adams (Bolingbrook, Ill./Bolingbrook) scored 18 to go with 11 boards.

The Huskies return to action tonight at 7 p.m. when they host Western Illinois at the Convocation Center. Tickets are available online at www.niuhuskies.com or by calling (815) 752-6800.