DEKALB, Ill. — In a closely contested matchup, Western Michigan secured a victory over Northern Illinois with a score of 74-70 on Saturday. The Broncos were led by Chansey Willis Jr., who contributed significantly with 17 points, five rebounds, and seven assists. This win improved their standing to 11-18 overall, and 8-8 in the Mid-American Conference.
Markhi Strickland also made an impact for the Broncos, scoring 14 points, while effectively utilizing his opportunities with a 5-for-13 shooting performance and converting 3 of 6 from the free-throw line. Owen Lobsinger was another standout performer, amassing 12 points by making three out of six shots from the field, including three successful attempts from beyond the arc, and tallying 3 of 4 from the foul line. Lobsinger also contributed seven rebounds.
The Northern Illinois Huskies, now with a record of 5-24 overall and 1-15 in conference play, faced yet another setback, marking their 10th consecutive defeat. Despite the loss, Quentin Jones emerged as a key player for the Huskies by scoring 25 points and securing eight rebounds, alongside five assists and two steals. Teammate Tsvet Sotirov added to the effort with 10 points and eight rebounds, while James Dent Jr. supported with nine points and six assists.
At halftime, Western Michigan held a 43-34 lead over Northern Illinois, with Willis contributing 10 points during this period. Western Michigan further widened the gap in the second half by executing a crucial 10-point run, establishing a 65-56 lead with just over eight minutes left on the clock. Willis added seven more points in those pivotal moments, aiding his team’s eventual triumph.
Looking ahead, both teams are set to return to the court on Tuesday. Western Michigan will host Kent State, while Northern Illinois will face Bowling Green at home.
