DeKALB, Ill. (AP)—Jalin Thomas scored 29 points and Central Michigan defeated Northern Illinois 64-58 Wednesday night.
Thomas scored 20 points in the first half, keeping the Chippewas (9-18, 6-7 Mid-American) in the game. Northern Illinois led 34-33 at the break, but it could have been larger as the Huskies shot 65 percent before halftime. They cooled off substantially in the second half, making only 30 percent from the field to finish at 47 percent.
Finis Craddock’s 3-pointer gave Northern Illinois (7-9, 3-10) a 58-56 lead with 4:36 to play, but the Huskies didn’t score again. Thomas’ lay-up tied it with 3:17 to go, then Derek Jackson made two free throws with 1:39 remaining. Trey Zeigler made two free throws, and William McClure and Jackson one each in the final minute.
Zeigler scored 19 points for the Chippewas. Antone Christian led NIU with 11 points; Nate Rucker and Xavier Silas each scored 10.
