The Eastern Michigan University women’s basketball team (10-7, 2-4 MAC) hosted Northern Illinois University (10-7, 2-4 MAC) inside the George Gervin Game Above Center on Jan. 21, where the Eagles picked up a 66-61 overtime win to avoid a four-game losing streak.
Sophomore Lachelle Austin led the Eagles with a career-high 23 points and six rebounds. Junior Ce'Nara Skanes added 17 points, eight rebounds, and five steals, marking a new career-high in steals. Senior Irekpitan Ozzy-Momodu scored 11 points and five rebounds, marking the fifth time this season she has scored double digits points in a game.
EMU as a team scored 20 points off of turnovers which contributed to 30% of EMU's total points. The Eagles outscored NIU on points off turnovers with a 20-4 margin.
The Eagles started off strong with an 18-17 lead heading into the second quarter. It is the ninth time this season the team scored 15 or more points in the first quarter this season.
NIU would fight back in the second quarter and the Eagles found themselves entering halftime trailing 26-24. The deficits continued to grow after halftime, and the Eagles encountered a 43-38 deficit heading into the fourth quarter. The Eagles narrowed its deficit to 49-45 before going on a 7-0 run, to lead 52- 49, with 5:57 left to play.
NIU fought back to even things at 57-57 and sent the game to overtime. The Eagles took advantage of its opportunities in the post, scoring 10 of its 19 points in the paint. NIU then took a 61-59 advantage with 29 seconds left in overtime before EMU took back the lead with a 7-0 run to score 66-61 with 10 seconds to go and hold on for the win.
Next up, EMU will travel to Kalamazoo, Mich. to face off against intrastate rival Western Michigan University on Wednesday, Jan. 25. The game is scheduled to begin at 7 p.m. and will be streamed on ESPN+.
For more information on the Eastern Michigan women's basketball team, you can listen to weekly episodes of "TheBlockE" Podcast for more in-depth analysis and stats.
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