KALAMAZOO, Mich. — NIU running back Garrett Wolfe was held to 25 yards on 18 carries and quarterback Phil Horvath threw three interceptions in the Huskies 16-14 loss Saturday at Western Michigan.

By game’s end, NIU (4-3 overall, 3-2 MAC) was held by WMU (4-2, 2-1) to zero net rushing yards and 157 yards of total offense.

“They did the same thing everyone else has done against us,” said coach Joe Novak.

WMU’s first drive of the game resulted in a 44-yard interception return by NIU linebacker Tim McCarthy after fellow linebacker Keenan Blalark tipped WMU quarterback Ryan Cubit’s pass.

The first of Horvath’s interceptions came on the following play as NIU receiver Marcus Perez lost a jump ball in the end zone to WMU cornerback Londen Fryar.

The Huskie defense held strong on three plays before NIU receiver Greg Turner blocked WMU’s punt. Fifth-year receiver Jarrett Carter then fell on the ball in the endzone for a touchdown.

Wolfe didn’t get his first carry until 9:08 into the first quarter and came off the field after three plays with negative three yards.

WMU’s offense limited the Huskies’ offensive opportunities in the first half by holding onto the ball for over 22 of 30 minutes. NIU ran 14 plays to WMU’s 51 in the opening half as the Broncos took a 10-7 lead.

“Honestly, we were happy to get out of the first half,” Novak said.

Wolfe ran four times for 18 yards to start the second half, but a seven-yard sack of Horvath led to NIU punter Andy Dittbenner’s third of five punts.

WMU then took a 13-7 lead on its second field goal of the game and Horvath threw into triple coverage for his second interception on the ensuing drive.

The Huskies next went back to Wolfe on five of six plays, who managed 10 yards. NIU then passed on six of its next seven plays and missed converting from WMU’s 31 yard line.

One more field goal by WMU kicker Nate Meyer put the Broncos up 16-7.

Horvath hit NIU wide receiver Britt Davis for a 31-yard touchdown with 1:19 left but an unsuccessful NIU onside kick brought an end to NIU’s three-game road trip and winning streak.