The Chippewas improve to 14-3 overall and 3-1 in Mid-American Conference play. The win returns CMU to first place in the West Division. The Huskies fall to 10-7 (3-1 MAC).
"There's no easy games this year in the conference whether at home or on the road," said CMU head coach Keno Davis. "To be able to win a couple of road games in the conference is definitely a rewarding start to the conference season."
Tuesday's win is the Chippewas second straight at NIU and marks the first time they've started 2-0 in road conference games since the 2006-07 season.
HOW IT HAPPENED
The Chippewas lead by as many as 13 points but found themselves tied with the Huskies 63-63 with 5:53 remaining. Eight seconds later, Shawn Roundtree Jr. knocked down his fourth 3-point shot to regain the lead for Central Michigan.
NIU would respond with a Lacey James layup, but three free throws from Rob Montgomery followed by another 3-pointer from Roundtree and two free throws from the senior highlighted a 10-0 Chippewa run.
NIU would cut CMU's lead back to nine but free throws from David DiLeo and Roundtree iced the game to give the Chippewas the victory.
LEADERS
Roundtree lead CMU with 21 points, 19 of which he scored in the decisive second half. His 6-of-11 shooting performance included a career-high five 3-pointers.
DiLeo contributed 19 points, Montgomery added 16 points and Kevin McKay finished with a double-double with 10 points and a game-high 10 rebounds.
NIU's Levi Bradley finished with a game-high 27 points.
BOUNCE BACK VICTORY
Following their heartbreaking overtime loss to Bowling Green Saturday, Davis said the Chippewas were anxious to get back on the court.
"Some teams want a day off (after a game). This team wanted to get back and they wanted to prove that they were good enough to be able to not just win, but win on the road."
(Courtesy of CMU Athletics)