In the final home game of their college careers, NIU basketball’s four seniors finished with an 88-58 win over Central Michigan on Monday night at the Convocation Center.

As Marcus Smallwood, Perry Smith, Walter Thompson and Al Sewasciuk exited the floor simultaneously with 2:09 left in the game, they were showered with applause and a standing ovation from the NIU fans.

“It’s the perfect way to go out,” said Smallwood, who finished with game highs of 19 points, 14 rebounds and five blocks.

NIU used an 11-0 run in the first half to take an early 18-7 lead, which they never relinquished in winning their third straight game. Sewasciuk scored eight of the Huskies’ points in that stretch on two three-pointers and a pair of free throws.

The Huskies avenged a 84-73 loss to CMU on Feb. 9 in Michigan.

NIU will begin the MAC tournament on the road, so this is the last time this foursome will play in DeKalb.

“I’m happy for these guys and it’s a great way to send them off,” NIU coach Rob Judson said. “They’ve been through some tough times. Our staff was really their third coaching staff in their time here.”

In 2000-’01 the current seniors were on the worst NIU team in history, which finished with an overall 5-23 record. That team saw head coach Brian Hammel resign midway through the season and assistant Andy Greer step in as an interim replacement. That is when Judson came back to DeKalb in 2001, where he was formerly an assistant.

“It hasn’t hit me like I think it will,” Thompson said. “There were times when I didn’t think I would make it this far. It’s gotten tough at times, but I’ve persevered and I’m thankful for that.”

NIU finished with five players in double digits: Smallwood, Sewasciuk (15 points), Smith (14 points), Todd Peterson (12 points) and Mike McKinney (11 points). McKinney also added nine rebounds.

The only senior not to score in double digits, Thompson ended with five assists and three steals.