Waukee Alum Helps NIU Stay Close in Season-Ending Loss

Northern Illinois women's basketball player from Waukee contributes in 77-66 defeat at Bowling Green

Published on Mar. 8, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A Northern Illinois women's basketball player from Waukee helped the Huskies stay close early in their season-ending 77-66 loss at Bowling Green. The story recaps key scoring runs, standout individual performances, and notes NIU's upcoming move from the MAC to the Horizon League.

Why it matters

This game marked the end of the season for the Northern Illinois women's basketball team, which is transitioning to a new conference next year. The performance of the Waukee alum highlights the local talent that is making an impact at the Division I level.

The details

In the season finale, Northern Illinois trailed Bowling Green by just 3 points at halftime before the Falcons pulled away in the second half. The Waukee alum on the NIU roster helped the Huskies keep the game close early on with some key scoring contributions.

  • The game took place on March 5, 2026.
  • Northern Illinois will be moving from the Mid-American Conference (MAC) to the Horizon League starting next season.

The players

Northern Illinois University

A public university located in DeKalb, Illinois that competes in NCAA Division I athletics.

Bowling Green State University

A public research university in Bowling Green, Ohio that also competes in NCAA Division I.

Waukee

A city in Iowa known for its high school sports programs that has produced several Division I athletes.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”

— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident (San Francisco Chronicle)

“Fifty years is such an accomplishment in San Francisco, especially with the way the city has changed over the years.”

— Gordon Edgar, grocery employee (Instagram)

The takeaway

This game highlights the continued success of Waukee athletes at the Division I level, as well as the challenges facing the Northern Illinois women's basketball team as they transition to a new conference next season.