The NIU men’s gymnastics team upped its dual-meet record to 2-2 by defeating Southern Illinois 262.60-255.90 Saturday night in the Huskies’ first home dual meet of the season.

Still, NIU coach Chuck Ehrlich found little to be happy about.

“It was great to win, but we only hit 50 percent of our routines,” said Ehrlich of his 15th-rated Huskies. “If we were a 30th-ranked team, I’d be happy, but I know we can do better.

“We looked like a team just back from vacation. The misses were silly mistakes, on dismouts for example, that’s basic.”

The Huskies were led by all-around winner Wilson Aihara (53.25) and second place all-around Erik Solky (52.75).

On floor exercise, Marcus Mulholland (SIU) won with a 9.15. Gene Margiotta and Aihara (NIU) tied for second with scores of 9.05. Brent Reed and Greg Zieders (SIU) were first and third, respectively, on pommel horse with scores of 9.1 and 8.85. Steve Killings (NIU) was second with a 9.0.

On still rings, Solky (NIU) took first with a 9.35. Erik Hanson and Rick Armstrong (SIU) were second and third, respectively, with scores of 9.2 and 9.1. Mulholland and Scott Belanger (SIU) took first and second on the vault with scores of 9.25 and 9.2. Brian Lewis (NIU) was third with a 9.0.

NIU dominated on parallel bars with Solky (9.35), Aihara (8.75) and Bernd Buchmuller (8.9) took first, second and third, in that order. On the high bar, Brent Reed (SIU) was first with 9.25. NIU’s Gustavo Boschi (9.0) and Aihara (8.95) finishing in second and third places.

The Huskies were without junior Carlos Fulcher, who may be out for the year with a back injury. He will be examined by a doctor today.

“We have good talent on our team, but we need to get some consistency,” Ehrlich said. “We’re capable of hitting 90 percent-plus of our routines. Even without Carlos (Fulcher) we’re capable of being a top 10 team, but we’ll have to be extremely consistent.”

The Huskies will host Illinois-Chicago Wednesday (Feb. 22) at 7:30 p.m. at the fieldhouse.

“They’re (UIC) a decent team,” Ehrlich said. “It’s not a guaranteed win, but as a coach, I feel we have better talent.”

Following the UIC meet, the Huskies travel to Iowa State Friday (Feb. 24) before returning to host Iowa and Penn State March 3.