Huskies secure first win under new coach

David Douglas Jr. scored 27 points as Northern Illinois defeated Dayton 81 to 76 in overtime on Saturday. The victory marked the first win for the Huskies in the Matt Majkrzak era. Max Weisbrod added 19 points to support the offensive effort against the Flyers.

Majkrzak noted that the team's resilience was his primary source of pride. He stated, "What makes me the most proud is how we did it." The coach explained that while the offense looked strong, rebounding and defense were initial concerns. The Huskies finished with a plus-14 rebounding margin against a tough Dayton program. They secured the win despite a difficult travel schedule.

The game was decided in the final minute of the extra period. Bennett Basich hit a triple to start the overtime. Dayton scored the next four points to take a one-point lead. NIU responded with a 6-2 run to build a 76-73 advantage. Douglas and Weisbrod each made two free throws, and Basich added a layup to extend the lead to three points with 1:40 remaining.

With under a minute left, both teams had one possession left before Weisbrod hit a three-pointer with 22 seconds on the clock. That shot increased the NIU lead to 79-74. Basich made two free throws with four seconds left to close out the game. The win moves the Huskies to a 1-2 record on the season.

In other local sports news, Sycamore boys bowled at the Kickoff Classic in DeKalb. Freshman Tyler Royalty rolled a 1,229 total to finish 12th overall with a high game of 236. Teddy Grych posted a 1,220 total to place 13th with a 223 high game.

DeKalb-Sycamore girls swimming ended its season at the St. Charles East Sectional. Meanwhile, NIU women played Friday in Peoria against Bradley. The Huskies lost 69 to 54 after cutting a 19-point deficit in the third quarter down to seven points with 3:30 left. They struggled with three-point shooting in the loss.

Alecia Doyle led NIU women with 15 points. Leah Middleton added 10 points, three rebounds, and two steals. Sa'Mahn Johnson scored eight points off the bench and grabbed four rebounds. The team falls to 1-1 on the year.