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Central Michigan snapped a two game skid, as Kevin McKay led all scorers and had a career high 33 points, grabbed seven rebounds and dished out three assists, as the Chippewas grabbed the win over Northern Illinois, 80-72 in Dekalb. Central Michigan moves to 16-10 (5-8 MAC) with the victory, and Northern Illinois falls to 11-15 (4-9 MAC) with the loss.
Shawn Roundtree added 16 points to go along with McKay’s strong night, and Cecil Williams added 10 points, grabbed five rebounds and dished out three assists. David DiLeo added eight points and grabbed five rebounds.
Central Michigan was able to knock down 25 of their 58 (43%) shot attempts on the night. The Chippewas struggled from beyond the arc, as they only made three of their 19 (16%) attempts from three-point range. CMU was able to make up those points at the free throw line, as the Chips made 27 of their 33 (82%) attempts at the charity stripe.
Four different Huskies scored in double digits on the night. Eugene German led the way for NIU, as he scored 23 points and grabbed seven rebounds. Lacey James added 13 points and five rebounds, Levi Bradley scored 11 points, and Gairges Daow scored 10 points.
The Huskies were able to make 25 of their 46 (54%) shot attempts on the night. Northern Illinois didn’t fair much better then CMU from beyond the arc, as they only made six of their 20 (30%) attempts from downtown. NIU was able to make their free throws, as they made 16 of their 22 (73%) attempts on the night from the line.
NIU jumped out to a quick 7-0 lead in this game and looked strong. Central Michigan was able to calm down the Huskies and settle into this game, as the two teams traded the lead until the end of the first half, where CMU lead 40-39.
After two Roundtree free throws, the game became tied at 69 with 4:21 left to go in the game. Central Michigan would take the lead on a McKay layup, to make the score 71-69, and would lead the remainder of the game.
Central Michigan looks to build off this win, as they return home to host the Eastern Michigan Eagles on Saturday, February 17th. Tip is set for 4:30 p.m. and will be aired on ESPN3.
Northern Illinois will look to bounce back after this loss, as they stay home to host the Western Michigan Broncos on Saturday, February 17th. Tip is set for 4:30 p.m. (3:30 in Dekalb) and will be aired on ESPN3.