DeKALB | At times, NIU’s Tuesday night game against Ball State looked to be another one of NIU’s close conference matchups.

But BSU (5-12 overall, 1-3 MAC) had different plans for the Huskies, going on a 16 – 2 run in the second half, to win 71-60.

NIU head coach Rob Judson said turnovers that turned into transition baskets for the Cardinals was the cause of the run.

“We had a difficult stretch from 12 minutes to eight minutes,” Judson said. “It allowed Ball State to gain the lead, then they finished the game at the free-throw line.”

Mike McKinney lead all scorers with 20 points on 57-percent shooting and added seven rebounds in 36 minutes.