Koker, rebounding power NIU win against Western Michigan

DeKALB — Chelby Koker poured in a game-high 21 points, and the Huskies grabbed a season-best 54 rebounds as the Northern Illinois women’s basketball team picked up its first MAC win of the season, 73-56, against Western Michigan on Saturday.

“It was a big emphasis over the break,” forward A’Jah Davis said. “I think we’re one of the teams in the league that give up the most offensive boards. We made it a point to rebound better, to block out, to limit their second chances.”

The Huskies (3-5 overall, 1-2 MAC) set their season high for rebounds when a lane violation on a free throw gave them their 49th rebound with 5:02 left, surpassing the 48 they grabbed against Ohio.

NIU finished with a 54-32 edge on the boards against the Broncos (1-4, 0-3).

“We continue to make it a point of emphasis,” coach Lisa Carlsen said. “Most coaches will tell you rebounding is critical for success, but for us being able to get some stops and rebound right away gives us the opportunity to get out and go a little bit.”

Davis finished with nine rebounds and 12 points for NIU despite shooting 3 of 13 from the floor. She was 6 for 9 on free throws.

Davis said it was just a matter of being rusty coming off a 13-day break from the team’s last game.

“I know that I can contribute some other way,” Davis said. “A lot of teams are starting to double me, so I can kick it out. I’m very unselfish, so I don’t mind giving up my layup for someone else’s shot.”

The 53 points allowed by NIU is its lowest since allowing 52 in a 66-52 win over Bowling Green on January 16, 2019. The Huskies outrebounded the Broncos 54-32 for their first rebound margin of 20 or better in a game since Dec. 8, 2018 against Western Illinois.

By the numbers: Koker passed the 20-point mark for the sixth time in eight games this year. Mikayla Brandon had a game-best 11 rebounds. NIU shot 39.3% from the floor but was 6 of 15 from long range. Jayden Marable was 2 for 2 on 3s and finished with a career-best 14 points. Koker also had three assists and six rebounds. Reilly Jacobson, who led Western Michigan with more than 15 points per game heading into the contest, scored six. Megan Wagner led the Broncos with 13 and Taylor Williams had a team-best seven rebounds.

Beyond the stats: The Huskies scored 10 straight early to take a 14-7 lead, but Western Michigan scored the next 11. NIU scored the next 13 to take a 27-18 lead and never led by less than six again.

They said it: “Obviously it’s good to get that first MAC win,” Carlsen said. “And to get it at home is critical as well. We had some different people step up and do some nice things for us off the bench.”

Up next: The Broncos host Western Michigan at 6 p.m. Wednesday, while the Huskies head to Kent State for a 1 p.m. game on Wednesday.