With the win, Eastern keeps its hopes for a first-round bye in the MAC Tournament alive, and has at least secured an opening round game at home. Additionally, the win marks Eastern's first in DeKalb since Feb. 21, 2015, snapping a three-game skid.
In a game that saw 10 lead changes between the two MAC West foes, EMU (14-15, 8-8 MAC) was able to pull away late thanks to one of its best free throw performances of the season.
Eastern finished the game shooting 82.1 percent (23-of-28) from the charity stripe, marking its third-best percentage from the line on the campaign and its most free throw makes. Meanwhile, NIU (13-16, 6-10 MAC) went to the line just 16 times, shooting 75 percent (12-of-16).
Senior James Thompson IV was a key contributor for EMU with 15 points and 17 rebounds, registering his 13th double-double of the season. The forward is now just 18 rebounds away from the all-time rebounding record of 1,426, currently held by EMU Hall of Famer Kennedy McIntosh.
Leading the way in the scoring was redshirt senior Paul Jackson, who dropped in 13 of his team-high 19 points in the second half. The guard also added six assists, four rebounds, and two blocks on the afternoon.
Redshirt junior Boubacar Toure turned in his eighth double-double of the season with 12 points and a career-best 16 rebounds. Rounding out the double-digit scoring was sophomore Kevin McAdoo, who dropped in 10 points.
Though the paint points were even at 28-to-28, Eastern dominated in rebounding (45-to-26) and second chance points (17-to-8). In fact, the duo of Thompson and Toure out-rebounded the Huskies themselves, 33-to-26.
Eastern Michigan finished with a narrow advantage in shooting percentage (42.6 percent to 42.4 percent), and three-point shooting (42.9 percent to 33.3 percent).
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