Northern Illinois rallied late to beat Indiana State, 76-71, in its home opener. After the Sycamores took their first lead with 1:42 left, Ashlynn Brooke’s three-point play put NIU ahead for good, and the Huskies closed with a 9-2 run. Leah Middleton scored 22 points in her NIU debut, while freshman Laniah Davis added 20 in her first college game.

By the Numbers
  • NIU shot 50.9% from the field and made 9 of 18 3-pointers.
  • Indiana State shot 38.7% overall and made 5 of 27 3-pointers.
  • Middleton scored 22 points; Davis added 20.
Yes, But

NIU built a 15-point second-quarter lead, but Indiana State erased it and went ahead late. The Huskies’ ability to respond under pressure proved decisive.

What's Next

NIU travels to face Bradley on Friday, Nov. 6, with tipoff scheduled for 6 p.m. CT.

Bottom Line

NIU opened the season with a win powered by balanced scoring and late-game composure—an early sign that its newcomers and returning players can deliver in high-pressure moments.