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.