DEKALB, Ill. – The Fighting Leatherneck (1-2) women's basketball program returned to its home state as it faced Northern Illinois (1-1) on Wednesday night (Nov. 16) in DeKalb. Despite a career-high 31 points from Sadie Webb, Western fell in double-overtime, 91-84. After the first four minutes of play Western trailed 14-12 and a fastbreak lay up at the 16:30 mark from Jackie Rieger forced Northern Illinois to burn its first timeout. Webb started the game with seven early points on 3-for-3 shooting to power the Western attack.
Northern Illinois shot 64 percent (9-for-14) in the first 10 minutes to power its 22-14 advantage.
The deficit shrunk to one point, 29-28, after Webb's second three-pointer and a jumper from Kelly with 5:45 on the clock in the first half.
A three-pointer from Saule Kontautaite gave Western a 32-31 lead with 3:09 before the break. Salvatori followed with an uncontested layup underneath the basket to extend Western's lead to 34-41. At halftime, Northern Illinois led 37-34 on 50 percent shooting (15-for-30). Webb paced the Leathernecks with 10 points, her third consecutive double-digit scoring performance. Salvatori chipped in nine points on 4-for-6 shooting while pulling down five boards.
Five minutes into the second half, NIU led 41-37 with Courtney Shelton hitting a three-pointer just before the first media timeout of the half.
The Huskies extended its lead to 46-39 after a turn around jumper from Claire Jakubicek at the 12:40 mark.
Webb knocked down two free throws to draw the Purple & Gold within one with 9:54 remaining and then converted a three-point play to tie the game at 53-53 with 8:59 left in the game.
A jumper from Webb pulled Western within six at 63-57 and gave the Leatherneck's leading scorer 21 points with 3:47 remaining.
Two free throws from Kelly brought Western within four, 65-61, with 2:27 left in regulation.
Kelly returned to the line after Shelton picked up her fifth and final foul. She converted both and Western was within two, 65-63.
Northern's Amanda Corral missed two free throws and allowed Kelly to streak down the court for a fastbreak lay up to tie the game at 67-67 with 21 seconds remaining.
Western had two opportunities to win the game but Northern was able to keep the game tied at 67-67 and the two teams would play at least an extra five minutes.
In overtime, Webb knocked down a jumper with 10 seconds remaining to tie the game at 77-77 after both teams played an even half and NIU was unable to get the decisive points.Â
Northern controlled the second overtime period with the majority of the points coming from the free throw line. NIU shot 86 percent (12-for-15) in the overtime periods The Huskies would use the charity stripe to put the Leathernecks away, 91-84.
Western turned in an 81 percent (29-for-36) performance at the free throw line and shot 34 percent (24-for-71) from the field.
To aid Webb's performance, Salvatori collected a double-double with 17 points and 13 rebounds. She is the first Western player to turn in such a performance since Webb against Southern Utah last season. In addition, Kelly chipped in 12 points.
Six Huskies finished in double-figures with Jenna Thorp leading the way with 18 points and nine rebounds.
Western Illinois will continue the road swing with a trip to Valparaiso, Ind. for a Tuesday, Nov. 22 clash with the Crusaders of Valparaiso.
