CHICAGO (Interstat) — A dominant second-quarter surge by the Illinois-Chicago Flames proved decisive as they dispatched the visiting Northern Illinois Huskies 66 to 55 in a non-conference women’s basketball game Thursday night at the UIC Pavilion.

In a contest defined by offensive struggles and a pivotal shift in momentum, the Flames used a 25-point second period to erase an early deficit and build a lead they would not relinquish, securing their first victory of the young season before an announced crowd of 513.

The game began as a defensive slog, with both teams struggling to find an offensive rhythm. Northern Illinois, however, managed to carve out a small advantage, closing the first quarter with a 14 to 12 lead. The Huskies’ early success was largely fueled by Nevaeh Wingate, who asserted herself on both ends of the floor.

The complexion of the game changed entirely in the second quarter. Illinois-Chicago’s offense, which had been stagnant, suddenly came alive. The Flames exploded for 25 points in the period, capitalizing on Northern Illinois miscues and finding easier paths to the basket. A key driver of the turnaround was the backcourt duo of Jessica Carrothers and Chantrel “Tutu” Clayton. Carrothers, in particular, found her scoring touch with a series of pull-up jump shots, while the Flames’ defense intensified, forcing the Huskies into a series of costly turnovers and difficult shots.

By halftime, the Flames had not only erased the deficit but built a commanding 37 to 22 lead, outscoring Northern Illinois by 17 points in the quarter. The Huskies managed only eight points in the period, a testament to the Flames’ defensive pressure and their own offensive inefficiency.

Emerging from the break, Northern Illinois showed signs of life. Led by the backcourt pairing of Wingate and Chicago native Cyra Conwell, the Huskies mounted a 19-point third quarter, chipping away at the Flames’ cushion. Conwell connected from beyond the arc during this stretch, and Wingate continued her high-volume scoring, helping Northern Illinois narrow the gap. However, every Huskies run was met with a response from Illinois-Chicago, which scored 14 points in the quarter to maintain a 51 to 41 advantage heading into the final frame.

The fourth quarter saw the Flames effectively manage the game and keep the Huskies at arm’s length. Northern Illinois could never reduce the margin to a single possession, as Illinois-Chicago consistently answered with timely baskets, often from Carrothers or Samantha Serrano, to stifle any momentum. The Huskies were unable to mount a sustained comeback, ultimately falling by an 11-point margin.

Statistically, the game was a tale of contrasting strengths. Northern Illinois found some success from three-point range, shooting 8 of 19, but struggled immensely inside the arc and at the free-throw line. The Huskies shot just 17 of 50 from the floor overall and a costly 13 of 21 from the charity stripe. Their offensive woes were further highlighted by 15 turnovers, which the Flames converted into 20 points.

Illinois-Chicago, conversely, dominated the paint, outscoring Northern Illinois 30 to 18. While their three-point shooting was anemic at 2 of 13, they were far more efficient from two-point range and nearly flawless from the free-throw line, converting 14 of 16 attempts. The Flames also won the battle on the glass, securing nine offensive rebounds to the Huskies’ five.

Individually, Nevaeh Wingate of Northern Illinois delivered a standout performance in a losing effort. The Liverpool, N.Y., native logged 30 minutes and poured in a game-high 23 points while pulling down seven rebounds. Cyra Conwell, from Chicago, added 10 points, four rebounds, and two assists.

For Illinois-Chicago, the victory was a balanced effort. Jessica Carrothers, a guard from Crown Point, Ind., led the Flames with 22 points and three assists in 32 minutes of action. Samantha Serrano of Nanuet, N.Y., provided a crucial double-double with 14 points and six rebounds, while Julia Coleman of St. Louis, Mo., controlled the interior with 10 rebounds and six points. Chantrel Clayton also reached double figures, contributing 11 points.

With the loss, Northern Illinois falls to 0 wins and 4 losses on the season. The Huskies will look to secure their first victory when they travel to face SIU Edwardsville on Nov. 21.

Illinois-Chicago improves its record to 1 win and 2 losses. The Flames return to action on Nov. 24 with a road game against Ball State.