With no returning players from last year’s roster, obviously newcomers were going to have an impact in NIU’s season opener against Louisiana-Monroe at the NIU Convocation Center on Monday.

The Huskies got a double-double from 6-11 true freshman post Gustav Winther, a 10-assist, zero-turnover game from Gianni Cobb and an efficiency clinic from Jao Ituka off the bench in a 102-82 win over the Warhawks.

“I got a great group of guys behind me,” said Cobb, who had nine assists without a turnover in the Huskies’ exhibition win against Quincy last week. “I trust all of my teammates. I know they’re going to make shots and they’re going to find me when I’m open. I just have to be out there, be vocal, be a true point guard, be a floor general and keep working so we can go far in this.”

The Huskie

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