DeKALB – While Central Michigan was knocking down more than half its shots, NIU was having trouble making anything.
The Chippewas showed why they are the preseason favorites in the Mid-American Conference, rolling to a 89-66 win over the Huskies on Saturday.
The Chippewas (12-3 overall, 3-0 MAC) made 54 percent of their shots, including 71 percent in a second quarter in which they took control of the game. The Huskies (9-6, 1-2) shot 38 percent from the floor, including 33 percent in the third quarter that dashed any comeback plans.
“Obviously, I think we would have preferred to shoot the ball better,” NIU coach Lisa Carlsen said. “There were times we took shots that were a little rushed in the offense. We’re trying to be aggressive, so I don’t fault the kids for that, but again, the percentage of those shots going in tonight make it difficult. The shooters got some looks they normally knock down that they just didn’t.”
The Huskies led by as much as five in the early going. When Micaela Kelly made a 3-pointer with 3:53 left in the first quarter, the Chippewas took a 16-14 lead and never trailed again.
Reyna Frost bested her season averages for the Chippewas – entering averaging a double-double, she scored 20 and grabbed 21 of CMU’s 42 rebounds. Leading scorer Presley Hudson scored 27, shooting 9 for 13 in the contest.
“I think we had lapses on defense,” NIU guard Gabby Nikitinaite said. “We had a strong first quarter. I think Myia [Starks] and Errin [Hodges] did a good job on Presley. But we just have to stay consistent for 40 minutes of the game.”
Carlson said the Chippewas just weren’t missing shots Saturday, and Starks said it wasn’t from a lack of the Huskies trying.
“We can be right there to contest the shots, and they just made a better play,” Starks said. “There’s nothing you can really do about it besides contest the shot and hope they miss. But they did not miss a lot of shots.”
Starks shot 7 of 16, the highest percentage for any Huskies starter. Only Errin Hodges made at least half her shots for NIU, shooting 4 for 8.
“Some of the shots we normally make just weren’t going in,” Starks said. “Then when we would get to the rim, we would realize, wow, I’m this open, and kind of freak out about it and miss shots we would normally make. You can’t really do anything about it besides get back into the gym. Muscle memory.”
By the numbers: Starks led the Huskies with 17 points, Hodges had 14, Nikitinaite scored 12, and Mikayla Voigt 10. Jahari Smith had 18 for the Chippewas, and Kelly 16. Ally May led NIU with six rebounds.
Beyond the stats: After losing at Kent State on Wednesday, it was the first time this year the Huskies have lost back-to-back games.
They said it: “You got to hope they miss a few shots, to be honest with you,” Carlsen said. “And they just didn’t miss many.”
Up next: The Huskies head to Bowling Green on Wednesday, while Central Michigan hosts Miami (Ohio).