A storm invaded the NIU Convocation Center Wednesday; a storm named Tyler.

Storm came off the bench against Miami (Ohio) and scored 10 first half points to help NIU men’s basketball win 62-59.

The Huskies’ forward had a career-high 17 points and a career-high 29 minutes.

“Every shot felt good,” Storm said.

NIU men’s basketball has searched for another scorer to go with forward Abdel Nader after Tim Toler was abruptly dismissed from the team.

Storm’s 10 points in the first half helped the Huskies to 30-29 halftime lead. Despite his productive first half, The Geneseo, Ill. native started the second half on the bench. After checking in a few minutes into the second, Storm help lead the Huskies within reaching distance of the Redhawks.

Miami coach Charlie Coles said he didn’t have a scouting report of Storm prior to heading into Wednesday’s game.

NIU is still looking for a big man that can post up and play defense in the paint. Storm might be that player for the to fulfill both of those roles. Even though the Huskies were outscored 12 to four in the fist half in the paint, they regrouped in the second to outscore the RedHawks 18 to eight. NIU ended up outscoring Miami inside 22 to 20.

On defense, Storm and Aksel Bolin helped hold down Miami’s Julian Mavunga. The RedHawks’ forward had 15 points and two rebounds. Coming into the game, Mavunga was averaging 10 rebounds a game.

NIU coach Mark Montgomery said Storm was feeling it from the field, and it might have been due to a wardrobe switch.

“Maybe Tyler was feeling it tonight,” Montgomery said. “The only thing that was different was we all wore black shoes; Tyler wore red…I’m glad he switched those shoes.”