Avery O'Connor had 16 points to help lead UNH past Northeastern on Wednesday night in Durham. (File photo courtesy of UNH Athletics)

DURHAM - Junior guard Avery O’Connor led the ‘Cats with 16 points as the University of New Hampshire women’s basketball team defeated Northeastern University, 51-41 on Wednesday night at Lundholm Gymnasium.

The Wildcats’ record improves to 3-5 (0-0-AE) and the Huskies fall to 4-3 (0-0-CAA).

O’Connor checked into the game with just over two minutes in the first quarter and cashed in on her first two shots. She made a driving layup at 2:23 and banged home a three-pointer at 2:11 to put UNH up 13-7.

The Wildcats began the second quarter on a 14-0 run thanks to yet another three-pointer from O’Connor. She had 14 first-half points and UNH, which led by 20 at one point, eventually took a 41-26 lead into the fourth quarter.

The Huskies brought the score to a six-point deficit but Freshman guard Maggie Cavanaugh knocked down a corner three in response.

Clara Gomez recorded a season-high 14 rebounds for UNH, which returns to action Saturday at 1 p.m. vs. the Central Connecticut State Blue Devils at Lundholm Gymnasium.