MT. PLEASANT, Mich – A pair of Northern Illinois women’s basketball players tallied double-doubles, but the opportunistic offense of Central Michigan proved to be too much for the Huskies in a 98-71 Valentine’s Day loss at Rose Arena.
Junior Mauvolyene Adams scored a team-high 18 points and secured a career-high 14 rebounds to total her 10th double-double this season. The forward had an efficient scoring night from the field, hitting 6-of-10 shots from the floor and connecting on 6-of-8 free throws.
The Huskies fell to 9-15 overall and 3-9 in the Mid-American Conference with the loss. Central Michigan improved its record to 10-14, with a 7-5 mark in league play.
NIU sophomore Sarah Rogers added her second double-double of the season with 11 points and 10 boards, including four on the offensive glass. Junior Marke Freeman and sophomore Courtney Shelton also hit double-figures in scoring with 13 and 10 points, respectively.
But top scoring honors overall belonged to CMU guard Shonda Long, who blasted NIU with seven three-pointers, including five in the first half, to score 23 points. Three of Long’s treys accounted for nine of the Chippewas’ first 11 points.
In addition to Long’s three-pointers, NIU hurt itself with turnovers. The Huskies committed a season-high 25 miscues, and Central Michigan took full advantage. The Chippewas finished with 30 points off turnovers and registered 14 fast-break points.
NIU found a distinct advantage on the glass, outrebounding CMU, 38-27. That margin included 13 offensive rebounds, but NIU failed to produce, scoring just 12 second-chance points.
The Huskies return to the Convocation Center for their annual Pink Zone game. Northern Illinois will host MAC leader Toledo at 3 p.m. Fans are encouraged to wear pink to help raise awareness for breast cancer, and can buy lower bowl tickets available for just $2 if they do. NIU will also be handing out free pink t-shirts at the game while supplies last.
