NIU jumped out to an early 9-4 lead with four quick points from freshman forward Jaylen Key. The Huskies led 22-12 with 7:30 left to play in the first half despite early foul trouble.
Freshman Marshawn Wilson continued to be a spark off the bench and gave the Huskies a 27-13 lead with 6:17 left in the first half on his third triple. Wilson ended the game with 11 points. The team shot 71.4 percent (5-7) from deep in the first half. Seven Huskies ended the first half with two fouls but the team still led 33-23.
The foul trend continued into the second half with the Huskies picking up three early on, allowing UIC to carve its way back into the game.