Grace Sullivan dominated again for the Wildcats, shouldering the offensive load to carry Northwestern (2-0, 0-0 B1G) to a 64-51 win over Southern Illinois University Edwardsville (1-1, 0-0 OVC) on Sunday afternoon.

The senior forward scored 25 points on an efficient 10-of-14 shooting, also logging six rebounds, two blocks and a steal. Sullivan has now led the 'Cats in scoring in both games this season, and Northwestern is 2-0 to open its 2025-26 campaign.

For much of the game, Sullivan was the lone engine to Northwestern's offense. The non-Sullivan Wildcats totaled just 13 makes on 41 attempts, a 31.7% clip.

Northwestern's defense stifled the Cougars, holding SIUE to 29.2% shooting and 27.6% from three. The Wildcats forced 10 turnovers and outscored SIUE in the paint, 28-14.

Sophomore Tayla Thomas compiled nine points and 11 rebounds for NU, while guards Tate Lash and Caroline Lau scored 11 and nine points, respectively.

The Wildcats raced out to an early 12-5 lead in the first, thanks to an 8-0 advantage in fastbreak points. However, Northwestern went cold over the back half of the quarter, making just one basket in the final 5:30. It was the 'Cats' ferocious defense that kept NU ahead, as SIUE shot just 2-of-12 and had five turnovers through 10 minutes.

Northwestern's offensive struggles persisted into the second period, and the 'Cats went into the break with a 10-point lead. Sullivan (14 points on 5-of-7 shooting) accounted for the majority of the Wildcats' 27 first-half points. Aside from the senior forward, the remainder of Northwestern's lineup went 4-of-17 combined.

Sullivan took over in the third quarter, contributing 11 points of her own in a 24-point Wildcat effort. Lau also debuted in the scoring column for the first time this season, putting up seven points and three assists after her slow start. NU's efficient third quarter provided enough of a cushion to salt away the 'Cats' second win of the year.

Northwestern will look to wrap up its three-game homestand with a perfect 3-0 record on Friday when the Wildcats host Maryland Eastern Shore.

Read More Northwestern Wildcats Coverage

MORE: Jayden Reid Showed What He Can Mean for Northwestern in Win Over BU

MORE: USC Receivers Lemon and Lane Gash Northwestern in 38-17 Wildcat Defeat

MORE: Northwestern Looks Cleaner, Dominates Boston University in 76-52 Win

MORE: A Win is a Win: Northwestern Survives Ugly Opener vs. IU Indy, Wins 67-64

MORE: Three Keys for Northwestern to Upset USC on the Road This Friday