DEKALB, Ill. (Interstat) — In a game defined by runs and resilience, the Northern Illinois Huskies authored a dramatic fourth-quarter comeback to edge the Texas State Bobcats 71-69 in a non-conference women’s basketball game Saturday at Convocation Center.

The contest, a seesaw affair featuring 14 lead changes and 10 ties, was ultimately decided in the final seconds. With the score knotted at 69 and under 10 seconds to play, Northern Illinois executed a decisive inbounds play. Maria Serracanta found Nevaeh Wingate cutting to the basket for a layup with two seconds remaining, providing the final margin. Texas State’s ensuing desperation attempt resulted in a shot-clock violation, sealing the Huskies’ victory.

The most important part of the game was Northern Illinois’ sustained fourth-quarter surge to overcome a deficit that had grown to nine points. Texas State, leveraging a strong third quarter, took a 47-46 lead into the final period and quickly expanded it. A driving layup by Kyra Anderson and a three-pointer from Saniya Burks pushed the Bobcat advantage to 56-50 with 7:55 remaining.

Northern Illinois responded with a 14-3 run over the next four minutes, a critical stretch that shifted momentum permanently. The run was fueled by defensive pressure that forced three Texas State turnovers and efficient offense. Emilie Sorensen hit a three-pointer, Sa’Mahn Johnson converted a tough jumper and a pair of free throws, and Wingate added another triple. Johnson’s steal and fast-break layup capped the run, giving the Huskies a 64-59 lead with 5:12 left.

Texas State, led by Anderson’s game-high 23 points, did not relent. The Bobcats clawed back, tying the game at 69 on a Kyra Anderson layup with 1:28 remaining. Both teams had opportunities in the tense final minute. Northern Illinois missed a three-pointer, and Texas State secured the rebound but missed two point-blank put-back attempts, setting the stage for Wingate’s game-winner.

The Huskies were carried by a balanced scoring effort. Wingate, a sophomore from Liverpool, New York, finished with 21 points and six rebounds. Sorensen, a junior from Waukee, Iowa, matched her with 21 points, including five three-pointers, and added five rebounds. Johnson provided a crucial spark off the bench with eight points, three assists and three steals.

For Texas State, Anderson’s 23 points came on 10-of-16 shooting from the floor. Mia Galbraith added 16 points, all in the second half, and Saniya Burks contributed 12. The Bobcats were efficient offensively, shooting 56.3% from the field and 50% from three-point range. However, 20 turnovers, which Northern Illinois converted into 25 points, and a 9-3 disadvantage in offensive rebounds proved costly.

Northern Illinois opened the game strong, leading 18-11 after the first quarter behind eight early points from Wingate. Texas State responded with a 15-point second quarter to Northern Illinois’ 11, narrowing the gap to 29-26 at halftime. The Bobcats then seized control in the third, outscoring the Huskies 21-17 behind 11 points from Galbraith to take their slim lead into the fourth.

The Huskies improved to 5-18 overall with the victory, while Texas State fell to 10-13. Both teams now look ahead to conference play, with Texas State traveling to face South Alabama next Thursday and Northern Illinois hosting Massachusetts on Tuesday.