Marcus Smallwood returned to action for NIU Wednesday against Bowling Green to finish with seven points and eight rebounds in 25 minutes.

Coming off the bench less than a minute into the game, the 6-foot-6 All-MAC forward received the biggest cheer of the night.

“It was great to get back out there,” Smallwood said. “For [the fans] to show that affection, it really means a lot to me.”

Smallwood did not play in the team’s last three games because of a coach’s decision.

The Huskies lost 69-52 while the Falcons focused their attention on the Huskies’ leading scorer and rebounder.

“He’s a great player, and we were able to hold him down a little,” Bowling Green’s Josh Almanson said.

Smallwood finished 2-of-8 from the floor.

“He gave a good effort and we got the ball inside to him,” NIU coach Rob Judson said.