MOUNT PLEASANT, Mich. (Interstat) — Central Michigan dominated the second half to defeat Northern Illinois 89-51 in a Mid-American Conference women’s basketball game Saturday at McGuirk Arena. The Chippewas, now 7-4, broke open a close game after halftime, outscoring the Huskies 31-13 in the third quarter. Madi Morson led all scorers with 26 points for Central Michigan. Taylor Anderson anchored the effort with 17 rebounds and four assists. Northern Illinois, which fell to 2-9, was led by Nevaeh Wingate’s 10 points. The Huskies led 21-18 after the first quarter but managed only 30 points over the final three periods. Attendance was 1,302.

MOUNT PLEASANT, Mich. (Interstat) — A dominant third-quarter surge propelled the Central Michigan women’s basketball team to a decisive 89-51 victory over Northern Illinois in a Mid-American Conference matchup Saturday at McGuirk Arena. The Chippewas, improving to 7-4 overall, turned a competitive first half into a runaway by outscoring the Huskies 31-13 in the pivotal third period. That explosion transformed a 34-30 halftime lead into a commanding 65-43 advantage entering the final quarter, effectively sealing the game. Central Michigan’s offensive efficiency was the story, as they shot 49.2% from the field and a scorching 50% from three-point range, making 14 of 28 attempts. Northern Illinois, which fell to 2-9, struggled offensively, shooting just 28.8% overall despite hitting 5 of 11 from beyond the arc. The Chippewas also controlled the glass, grabbing 14 offensive rebounds to the Huskies’ three, which led to a 32-20 advantage in points in the paint. The game’s most important sequence began early in the third quarter. After Northern Illinois closed the first-half gap to just four points, Central Michigan unleashed a 19-4 run over a six-minute span. The run was fueled by balanced scoring and stifling defense, with the Chippewas forcing several Huskies turnovers and converting them into easy transition opportunities. This stretch broke the game open, extending a slim lead to 53-34 and sapping any momentum the visitors had carried from the first half. Central Michigan was led by a standout performance from Taylor Anderson. The 5-foot-10 guard from South Lyon, Michigan, filled the stat sheet with 17 rebounds, six points, four assists and a block in 28 minutes, anchoring her team’s defensive effort and facilitating the offense. Guard Madi Morson, from Canton, Michigan, led all scorers with 26 points on 9-of-18 shooting, including four three-pointers. For Northern Illinois, Nevaeh Wingate of Liverpool, New York, finished with 10 points, while Teresa Mbemba of Benguela, Angola, added nine. The Huskies were hampered by 16 turnovers, which Central Michigan converted into 17 points. The first half was a back-and-forth affair. Northern Illinois started strong, leading 21-18 after the first quarter behind efficient early shooting. The Huskies’ offense stalled in the second quarter, managing only nine points, which allowed Central Michigan to seize a 34-30 halftime lead despite their own 19 first-half turnovers. Central Michigan’s offensive rating of 117.6 on 76 possessions underscored their effective shot-making and ball movement, which resulted in 10 team assists. Northern Illinois posted an offensive rating of 68.0 on 75 possessions, reflecting their shooting struggles and inability to generate consistent scoring chances. The announced attendance was 1,302. Northern Illinois next plays at Saint Thomas (Minn.) on Dec. 29. Central Michigan’s next contest is at home against Ohio on Dec. 31.

MOUNT PLEASANT, Mich. (Interstat) — The Central Michigan women’s basketball team looks to continue its winning momentum when it hosts struggling Northern Illinois in a Mid-American Conference matchup Saturday at McGuirk Arena. The Chippewas (6-4) enter on a high note after a dominant 91-41 road victory over Valparaiso on Wednesday. Ayanna-Sarai Darrington led the charge, scoring 22 points in just 18 minutes. The sophomore forward has been a consistent offensive threat, averaging 15.0 points over her last four games, including a 16-point performance in a narrow win over Purdue. Central Michigan has found success at home this season, boasting a 4-1 record in Mount Pleasant. Their defense will be tested by Northern Illinois guard Emilie Sorensen, who is coming off a season-high 17-point effort in a 44-67 loss to Fort Wayne on Dec. 14. Sorensen added four rebounds and two blocks in that contest. The Huskies (2-8) have lost five straight, including their last four on the road by an average margin of 26.5 points. Their offense has sputtered, failing to reach 65 points in any game during the skid. Beyond Sorensen, production has been inconsistent. Nevaeh Wingate and Nadechka Laccen provided support against Fort Wayne, combining for 15 points and 10 rebounds. Historically, this series has been competitive, but the teams are trending in opposite directions. Central Michigan’s balanced attack, which saw Madi Morson add 15 points off the bench last game, contrasts with a Northern Illinois squad searching for answers. Saturday’s game tips off at 1 p.m. EST and marks the conference opener for both teams. It is the first of two scheduled meetings this season, with a rematch set for Jan. 31 in DeKalb.