Feb. 13, 2008

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DEKALB, Ill.-The Northern Illinois University women's basketball team snapped its two-game losing streak and extended its home winning streak to four games when it defeated Kent State, 83-74, Wednesday night in the Convocation Center in overtime.

Whitney Lowe (Bushnell, Ill./Prairie City) and Ebony Ellis (Joliet, Ill./Joliet Township) each recorded double-doubles in the contest. Lowe led the way for the Huskies with 20 points and 10 rebounds, while the freshman Ellis finished the game with 16 points and a career- and game-high 16 rebounds. Lowe went 6-16 from the field and 7-9 from the free throw line and Ellis was 7-13 from the field.

"This was a great team win tonight. I would say we played our best basketball today, but it was a team win," NIU head coach Carol Owens said. "I like how we battled, especially in overtime. We had three players in double figures, two with a double double. I felt we could rebound whenever we wanted. Kent State played very hard. Overall it was a great win. "

Jessie Wilcox (Oshkosh, Wis./West) erupted in the overtime period. After scoring seven points in regulation, the junior guard heated up with nine points in the extra frame to finish in double figures with 16.

"The MAC is crazy this year. We still have lots of chances," Wilcox said. "If we continue to play together and get contributions from everyone, that is going to be the key. Everyone has to come ready to play every time."

After playing to 69-69 tie through the first two periods of play, the Huskies (9-14, 5-5) opened the overtime strong. Back-to-back threes by Wilcox and Kylie York (Fishers, Ind./Hamilton Southeastern) capped off a 9-0 run by NIU and gave them a 78-69 advantage with 1:50 left to play.

York, who hit just one field goal in regulation, connected on two threes in the extra session to finish the game with nine points. The Huskies went 3-3 from beyond the arc in OT and 9-20 for the game. Shari'Welton Calumet City, Ill./Thornwood) also contributed, adding eight points and six boards, while Aileen Rossouw (Plano, Texas, Plano) did her damage from the free throw line, going 7-8 from the charity stripe to finish with seven.

Kent State (6-16, 3-7) had four players finish in double figures with Chanel Harris leading all scorers with 25 points. Ellie Shields fished with 15, Asheley Harkins with 13 and Rachel Bennett with 11.

The Huskies won the battle on the glass, outrebounding the Golden Flashes, 51-38, and outshot their opponent 43.8 percent to 37.7 percent. This was the Huskies first overtime game and first overtime victory since Jan. 31, 2006 when NIU defeated Buffalo, 81-72 in triple overtime.

NIU will be home again Saturday, Feb. 16, 2008 when the Huskies play host to Ohio University. Saturday is "Think Pink" Day at NIU. Fans are encouraged to wear pink to the game as part of the Women's Basketball Coaches Association nationwide breast cancer awareness campaign. 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.