DEKALB, Ill. (Interstat) — In a game defined by dramatic momentum swings and a late collapse, the Akron Zips outlasted the Northern Illinois Huskies in overtime, 75-68, in a Mid-American Conference women’s basketball contest Saturday at the Convocation Center.

The most important part of the game unfolded in the final minutes of regulation and the extra period, where Akron’s resilience and Northern Illinois’s offensive stagnation proved decisive. The Huskies, who had stormed back from a double-digit deficit to take control in the second half, went scoreless for the final 4 minutes and 54 seconds of the fourth quarter, allowing the Zips to force overtime.

Akron, which led 39-31 at halftime, saw its advantage evaporate in a dominant third quarter by Northern Illinois. The Huskies outscored the Zips 25-16 in the period, fueled by the inside-outside combination of Nevaeh Wingate and Marta Hermoso. Wingate, who finished with a game-high 22 points, was instrumental in the surge, while Hermoso’s early shooting helped build Northern Illinois’s confidence.

The Huskies carried a 56-55 lead into the fourth quarter and extended it to 64-60 after a Nadechka Laccen jumper with just 14 seconds remaining in regulation. Akron, however, had one final push. Following a timeout, the Zips worked the ball to Natalie Johnson, whose clutch jump shot cut the deficit to two with 6 seconds left. On the ensuing inbounds play, Akron’s defense forced a critical turnover when Ni’Rah Clark stole the ball from Wingate. Although Clark missed a potential game-winning jumper, the sequence summed up the pressure Akron applied late.

In overtime, the Huskies’ offensive woes worsened. They managed only four points, all from Wingate, and missed several key opportunities at the rim, including a Wingate layup blocked by Clark in the final seconds of regulation that foreshadowed the extra period’s struggles. Akron seized control early in overtime, scoring the first six points. Clark, who scored 21 points, was pivotal, converting a three-point play and hitting two crucial free throws. The Zips outscored Northern Illinois 11-4 in the extra session to secure the road victory.

Statistically, the game was a battle of contrasting efficiencies. Akron attempted more shots but was less accurate, finishing 27 of 64 from the field compared to Northern Illinois’s 22 of 56. The Huskies were far superior at the free-throw line, making 19 of 22 attempts, while Akron hit just 12 of 19. However, the Zips compensated by making nine three-pointers to the Huskies’ five and by winning the rebounding battle, particularly on the offensive glass with eight boards leading to second chances.

Johnson provided a critical scoring boost for Akron with 18 points off the bench, including several baskets during the Zips’ first-half run and their late comeback. Corinne Reed added 9 points and 7 rebounds for the visitors. For Northern Illinois, Wingate’s 22 points and 8 rebounds led the way, supported by 15 points from Emilie Sorensen and 13 from Hermoso. Maria Serracanta nearly recorded a double-double with 10 points and 9 rebounds.

The win improved Akron’s record to 6-19 overall, while Northern Illinois fell to 5-20. Both teams entered the game near the bottom of the MAC standings, making the victory a rare positive in difficult seasons. The Huskies had been projected as strong favorites to win according to advanced metrics, but their inability to close out the game in regulation and generate offense in overtime led to their 20th loss.

Akron returns home to face Ohio on Wednesday. Northern Illinois travels to face Kent State the same night.