Marin Maric led Northern Illinois with 17 points and nine rebounds, as Northern Illinois held off a strong comeback from Central Michigan, defeating the Chippewas 87-83 in Dekalb on Saturday afternoon. Northern Illinois moves to 9-6 (1-1 MAC) on the year and Central Michigan falls to 10-5 (0-2 MAC).
The Huskies had three other players in double digits, as Jaylen Key scored 16 points and grabbed 11 rebounds, Dontel Highsmith added 16 points and and six rebounds, and Laytwan Porter added 16 points and five rebounds. The Huskies were able to dominate in the paint and out rebound the Chippewas, 53-42, to help them to this victory.