MUNCIE, Ind. - After overcoming an 11-point first half deficit in the third quarter, the NIU women's basketball (15-5, 8-1 MAC) maintained its lead in the fourth quarter with near perfect shooting, going 11-for-15 from the field with a perfect 4-for-4 clip at the charity stripe and behind the arc, to defeat Ball State (14-7, 7-2 MAC) at Worthen Arena, 101-96. 

The 100-point effort was NIU's third such game this season and its first since Nov. 26 versus Illinois State. Four Huskies scored in double figures, led by Courtney Woods' (Brisbane, Australia/St. Margaret's Anglican School) 21 points with five three-point field goals after opening 0-for-5 behind the line. Janae Poisson (Matteson, Ill./Marian Catholic) led the bench with 18 points while Mikayla Voigt (Slinger, Wis./Kettle Moraine Lutheran) also added 15 points.

Ally Lehman (Nineveh, Ind./Indian Creek) registered her 12th double-double of the season with 18 points and a career-high 11 assists and eight rebounds. Lehman tied the program record for 10-assist games in a season with four, matching Kelly Robbins feat in 1995-96, and also tied the career record set by Amanda Reese (1995-98). Northern Illinois University shot .561 from the field as a team on 37-of-66 shooting and outrebounded Ball State on the defensive glass, 29-20, despite giving up six inches on the opening tipoff.

"That was a hard fought ball game and as a fan, that was a great basketball game to watch because it had a little bit of everything," said Head Coach Lisa Carlsen. "We stayed confident on both ends of the floor and I think we did a great job of competing on the glass and that's always a big key for us: making sure we rebound on the defensive boards so we can get out and go."

The Huskies defense starred in the second quarter as they erased an 11-point deficit in the opening minutes of the period. Just before the media break, Lehman slashed the ball to the middle of the key and kicked out to Woods and jumpstarted an 11-0 run by NIU that gave the Huskies their first lead of the game with 1:48 left in the second period. 

Though Northern Illinois University looked to attempt the final shot of the half with a one-point lead and 14.3 seconds left, a quick turnover gave possession back to Ball State with 10.9 seconds left, who reclaimed the lead on a three-pointer at the buzzer by Frannie Frazier to give the Cardinals a 46-44 halftime edge.

NIU took control with 5:01 left in the third quarter as it led the Cardinals the rest of the period and entered the fourth frame with a 71-67 lead.

Ball State matched NIU shot for shot in the fourth quarter, responding to the Huskies two layups with a pair of three-point baskets to close the gap to one point with 9:07 left. Continuing to push NIU, the Cardinals took a brief lead with 7:40 in left in regulation but a Poisson trey put the Huskies back in the drivers seat.

Of their 19 attempts in the quarter - 15 field goals and four free throws - NIU hit its last nine shots in the final five minutes of the game, including two three-point attempts and all four of its free throws.

The Huskies will return to action Saturday, February 4 when it hosts Western Michigan in a doubleheader with the NIU men's basketball team as a part of Cram The Convo. Tipoff is scheduled for 1 p.m. Central.

Alumnae Day festivities will highlight the game with a pregame and postgame reception open to fans and alums. Tickets for Cram The Convo, good for both games, are only $5. Call the NIU Athletics Ticket Office for more information at 815-753-PACK (7225).