The Salukis were unable to continue into a three-game winning streak with a loss to Northern Illinois University’s Huskies Tuesday.

SIU (2-3), led by junior guard Teri Oliver with 18 points, six rebounds and three steals, fell short 50-53 to the Huskies (3-3) in DeKalb after a big jump shot by Huskie’s guard Alicia Johnson changed the game.

The game remained close during the first half up until the end, and the Huskies led the Salukis at halftime 25-26. In the second half, the Salukis led the Huskies by one point with 41 seconds left in the game, but couldn’t pull away.

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Coach Missy Tiber said the work ethic of the team collapsed toward the last few minutes of the game.

“If we would have had that same intensity that we had that last 3:30 of the game for most of the game, then it is a different story,” Tiber said. “We kind of sleepwalked a lot.”

Sophomore guard Jordyn Courier struggles to gain possession of the ball during the Salukis’ 66-44 loss against Loyola University Chicago Nov. 17 at the SIU Arena. The team’s 53-50 loss to Northern Illinois University in DeKalb Tuesday brings their record to 2-3. Genna ord | Daily Egyptian

Even after the close game, Tiber said she commends the Huskies coach on how well the Huskies competed defensively on several possessions in the game.

“You’ve got to give them credit. (Coach) Kathi Bennett is well known for her defense,” Tiber said. “There were no easy shots tonight. We worked hard to get the 50 points that we did get.”

SIU shot 27.9 percent from field goals, making 17 out of 41 shot attempts, and giving up 21 points from 14 turnovers to the Huskies.

Meanwhile, the Huskies were led by freshman guard Amanda Corral, who scored 17 points, six rebounds and three assists, along with freshman forward Natecia Augusta who scored 14 points and four assists.

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NIU shot 36.4 percent in field goals and out-rebounded SIU with 49, while the Salukis rebounded 34, and scored 10 points off 14 NIU turnovers.

The Salukis have not succeeded above .500 percent since the 2006-07 season, but Tiber said there’s still more games to play.