Jan. 13, 2007
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DeKALB, Ill. - Led by Giordan Watson's 28 points and 18 tallies from reserve forward Marko Spica, Central Michigan used a strong second half showing to hold off Northern Illinois for the 67-64 Mid-American Conference victory at the NIU Convocation Center on Saturday evening.
The Chippewas (7-8, 2-1 MAC) outscored the Huskies (4-11, 1-2 MAC) 41-30 in the game's final 20 minutes, including a 7-2 run over the final 3:37.
"Today, Giordan Watson and Marko Spica gave Central enough possessions to win the game," NIU head coach Rob Judson said. "We tried to take Watson out of the game with the things we were doing on defense, we played some box and one. When we were able to do that, Spica stepped up and kept them in the game."
After NIU led 34-26 at halftime, CMU closed the margin and took its first lead of the second half when Spica's jumper gave the visitors a 51-49 advantage at 7:45.
Mike McKinney helped the Huskies battle back when he scored and added a free-throw to complete a three-point play to draw back even at 60. On the next possession, McKinney again went to the line and knocked down both shots for a 62-60 NIU lead.
CMU's Jordan Bitzer hit a clutch three with 1:44 remaining to put the Chippewas back ahead at 65-62.
The Huskies drew within one at 65-64 when Shaun Logan made one of two free throws with 52 seconds to go.
After an errant CMU shot inside of 20 seconds, the Chippewas were able to retain possession when Robbie Harman retrieved the rebound and got the ball to Watson, who was fouled and extended the lead to three by converting a pair of free throws.
On their final possession, NIU put the ball in the hands of Zach Pancratz, whose three-point attempt fell short in the final seconds.
"We have played three games in the Mid-American Conference and every one came down to the last possession," Judson said. "There is great parity in our division. Eastern Michigan beat Ball State in Muncie today and we play at Ball State on Tuesday."
Logan led the Huskies with a career-high 23 points while hauling down five rebounds. Also scoring in double-figures for NIU was McKinney with 15 and James Hughes with 10. Ryan Paradise was the team's leading rebounder with seven boards.
