Men’s basketball’s season came to an end March 11 when it was defeated 45-44 by Eastern Michigan in the first round of the MAC Conference tournament.

With the Huskies (5-25, 3-13 MAC) trailing by 11 points with eight minutes left to play in the second half, they went on a 15-2 run to take a two-point lead, 44-42, with two minutes left to play.

On that run, freshmen guards J.J. Cravatta and Travon Baker each hit a 3-point field goal while junior forward Aksel Bolin scored six points during that stretch and added a 3-pointer of his own.

The Eagles (15-17, 7-9 MAC) would not let the Huskies play the role of spoiler, as they refused to be upset. With 32 seconds remaining in the game, freshman guard Jalen Ross hit a 3-point field goal to win the game and advance to the second round of the tournament.

“We got behind but we kept plugging away and we kept playing defense,” said NIU coach Mark Montgomery. “We took a one-point lead late and we were really just one stop away, but we couldn’t come up with the rebound, it took a funny bounce and they ended up hitting a [3-pointer].”

The Huskies got three looks down the stretch, but weren’t able to convert on any of the attempts.

“We had a good look at the end,” Montgomery said. “In March you need a little luck, and unfortunately that ball wouldn’t go in, but I loved the heart, the fight and the effort our team had tonight.”

The Huskies’ 3-point shooting kept them in the game as they hit nine 3-pointers, shooting 32 percent. Bolin, Baker and redshirt junior guard Antone Christian all hit two 3-pointers with Cravatta hitting one of his own.

NIU did not have one player score in double figures as Bolin and Cravatta each scored nine points.

Eastern Michigan used its advantage in the paint, as it outscored the Huskies 18-8. Junior center Da’Shonte Riley recorded a double-double, scoring a game-high 13 points while grabbing 11 points.

Redshirt junior forward Glenn Bryant added in 10 points for the Eagles and also grabbed eight rebounds.