Chelby Koker scores 17 to lead NIU women to win over Illinois State in opener

The Northern Illinois University women’s basketball team used a big third quarter and shot 46.4% from the field to win its season opener, 77-60, over the Illinois State Redbirds on Tuesday night at the NIU Convocation Center.

“I couldn’t be more pleased and more happy with a lot of people tonight,” coach Lisa Carlsen said after Tuesday night’s victory. “Our balance in scoring the basketball and our defensive effort for 40 minutes was phenomenal. We were able to keep Illinois State off balance and did a great job on the glass.”

NIU (1-0) had all five of its starters score in double figures. Junior guard Chelby Koker led all scorers with 17 points, adding six rebounds, four assists and two steals. A’Jah Davis had a double-double with 15 points and a game-high 15 rebounds.

“I thought Chelby did a great job, especially in the first half,” Carlsen said. “In the first half when she needed to get a couple buckets for us, she did. Her command of the offense in the second half was critical and she facilitated well. We got A’Jah going as well early, and she’s a lot to handle in the bottom half of the lane, and she was able to get some big rebounds for us as well.”

Janae Poisson made four 3-pointers on her way to 16 points.

NIU is next in action Sunday when the Huskies head to Harvard to face the Crimson. Tip-off is at 1 p.m. with the game being telecast on ESPN+ and broadcast locally on WLBK 98.9 FM/1360 AM.