The Eastern Michigan University women’s basketball team came back from a nine point deficit in the second half to win in overtime 87-80 on Saturday night in Dekalb, Ill.
Chanise Baldwin got it going for the Eagles (11-3), (2-1 MAC) scoring six points in the fourth quarter helping cut the Huskies (8-5), (2-1 MAC) lead to only one with 4:36 remaining. After a Huskies timeout, Northern Illinois scored a basket and two free throws to go up five. The Eagles did not give up as EMU would go a 9-2 run to take a 69-67 with 26 seconds left in the game.
Northern Illinois took a 70-69 lead after a corner three by freshman Courtney Woods. The Eagles had to foul after a missed shot and the Huskies split the free throws to increase the lead 71-69. On an inbounds play, Janay Morton got fouled before the inbound and sank two free throws which took the game to overtime at 71-71.
In overtime, the Eagles would go up as many as nine points before closing out the victory.
The Eagles began the game struggling offensively missing six of their first seven shots allowing the Huskies to get out to an early 11-5 lead in the first quarter. The Eagles turned their offense around trading baskets and eventually tying the game at 20 after the first quarter.
EMU allowed the Huskies to score their first five baskets in the second quarter. However, the Eagles were able to keep up with Northern Illinois, going on an 8-0 run taking a 32-29 lead. To close out the half, the Eagles went on a scoring drought in the final minutes and gave up a 9-0 run to the Huskies. The Eagles trailed 37-32 at the half.
The Eagles shooting woes continued as they could not get anything going offensively going down as many as eleven points midway in the third quarter. In the final two minutes, the Eagles fought back before the end of third quarter going on a 7-2 run to cut the lead 52-48.
The Eagles shot 40 percent (32-80) from the field, but only 14 percent (3-21) from the three point line. The Huskies shot better than EMU at 42 percent (31-73), but they were limited from three-point shooting only 23 percent (5-22).
The Eagles starting five all finished in double digits led by Cha Sweeney’s 28 points. Chanise Baldwin scored 17 points and collected eight rebounds. Janay Morton and Sasha Dailey each provided 14 points – while Phillis Webb scored 12 points and grabbed nine rebounds.
Freshman Kelly Smith led the way for the Huskies with 20 points and 15 rebounds and her teammate sophomore Jasmine Harris scored 18 points.
Looking Forward:
EMU travels back home to Ypsilanti as they host the Ohio University Bobcats. The Bobcats are 3-0 in the conference and 11-3 overall for the season.
