Coming off a tough loss against the Bowling Green Falcons, the NIU men’s basketball team knew they had some work to do to gain momentum in the Mid-American Conference on Saturday.
Central Michigan found themselves maintaining dominance throughout the night in a 88-46 loss for NIU, marking it the largest loss for the Huskies since a 101-57 blowout against the University of Northern Iowa in 2024.
The Central Michigan University Chippewas (8-17,4-8 MAC) came out swinging against the Huskies (8-16, 3-9 MAC), going on a 19-7 run in the first five minutes of play. While the Huskies found themselves on the ropes early, sophomore guard Makhai Valentine attempted to keep NIU’s aspirations of winning alive. Valentine contributed eight of the first 12 points for the Huskies, keeping the game from becoming a runaway early.
“I think Makhai has really tried to fit into the role of the leader,” assistant head coach Drew Gladstone said. “He’s new at it, but he’s trying his best to hold the guys accountable.”
Despite Valentine having an efficient offensive first half, it was clear the Chippewas were on a mission to avenge their buzzer-beater loss to the Huskies on Dec. 20.
By the end of the half, the Chippewas showcased a flurry of scoring, shooting 74% from the field, and 100% from three. The Huskies, yet to find a response to the high wave of scoring, ended the half going 28.57% from the field and beyond the arc.
Throughout the dry spell, Valentine and freshman guard Taj Walters carried the majority of the offensive load. The duo combined for 16 out of the Huskies’ 22 first-half points, ending the half with a 29-point NIU deficit.
Going into the second half, the Huskies managed to cool down the scorching hot Chippewas. The first six minutes of play were led by a string of defensive events where only a combined 16 points were put on the board by the two MAC opponents – all while a whopping combined eight turnovers and three blocks were picked up.
‘We wanted to try to have the same mindset as every game,” Walters said. “We just wanted to come and get the dub.”
Despite the Huskies slowing the Chippewas down, Central Michigan managed to still outscore NIU in the second half 37-24.
Despite efficient play from Valentine and Walters, going for a combined 23 points, the Huskies put on their lowest-scoring performance of the season, ending the game with a 42-point loss.
“We have to be honest with ourselves,” Gladstone said .”From the coaching staff to the players, we didn’t show up today and it all starts with honesty.”
UP NEXT
The Huskies will face the University at Buffalo Bulls at 5:30 p.m Tuesday in Amherst, New York. The game will be streamed on ESPN+ and live stats will be updated on SIDEARM Sports.
“We need to have our guys ready in the gym and get more shots up,” Walters said. “We need to instill more confidence in our guys to finish this season. Our confidence will come with the work,and we are in control of that.”
