DEKALB, Ill. (Interstat) — Propelled by a historic first-quarter offensive explosion, the Milwaukee Panthers weathered a late Northern Illinois rally to secure their first victory of the young season, 76-65, in a non-conference women’s basketball game Friday night at the Convocation Center.

The Panthers, who improved to 1-1, erupted for 29 points in the opening period, a staggering output that built a lead the Huskies would spend the remainder of the evening unsuccessfully trying to overcome. Northern Illinois, despite a valiant 25-point fourth quarter, fell to 0-2.

The game’s outcome defied the pre-game projections from Interstat’s ELO system, which had heavily favored the Huskies with a 79.40 percent probability to win on their home floor.

Milwaukee’s opening-quarter performance was a stark contrast to their season-opening loss just four days prior. The Panthers’ offense operated with a precision and efficiency that Northern Illinois could not counter, establishing a commanding 29-17 lead after ten minutes of play. The momentum, however, shifted dramatically in the second quarter as both teams’ offenses went cold. Milwaukee managed only seven points, but their stifling defense was equally effective, limiting the Huskies to a mere eight points. The Panthers took a 36-25 advantage into the halftime break.

Emerging from the locker room, Milwaukee stabilized its offense, adding 19 points in the third quarter while holding Northern Illinois to 15. The Panthers’ lead appeared secure at 55-40 heading into the final frame.

The fourth quarter saw the Huskies mount their most significant challenge. Led by a game-high 26 points from sophomore guard Nadechka Laccen, Northern Illinois unleashed a 25-point period, relentlessly attacking the basket and chipping away at the deficit. The Panthers, however, answered every Huskies’ run with crucial baskets of their own, scoring 21 points in the quarter to keep Northern Illinois at bay and close out the victory.

While Laccen’s scoring prowess from San Juan, Puerto Rico, was the standout individual performance for the Huskies, the Panthers’ victory was a more balanced effort. The Huskies received a solid contribution from Nevaeh Wingate, a freshman from Liverpool, New York, who posted 10 points and three assists in 15 minutes off the bench. Senior forward Marta Hermoso of Seville, Spain, added six points, four rebounds and three assists.

For Northern Illinois, the loss extends a difficult start to the season after a 77-56 road defeat at Southern Mississippi on Monday. The Huskies will look to regroup and search for their first win when they host Western Illinois on Tuesday, Nov. 11.

Milwaukee, meanwhile, bounced back emphatically from a 59-55 home loss to Loyola Chicago on Nov. 3. The Panthers will carry the momentum from this road victory into a challenging in-state showdown, traveling to face the Wisconsin Badgers on Monday, Nov. 10.

The announced attendance at the Convocation Center was 380. The game was a tale of two halves defined by Milwaukee’s explosive start and resilient finish, providing the Panthers with a foundation to build upon as they navigate the early portion of their schedule. Following the trip to Wisconsin, Milwaukee will play nine of its next ten games either at home or on a neutral court, a stretch that includes contests against Western Michigan, Marquette, and a multi-game event in Stockton, California.

Northern Illinois faces a road-heavy slate in the coming weeks, with seven of their next eight games away from DeKalb, including a visit to Iowa State on Dec. 7.