In a game that featured one of the most explosive players in the MAC, it was NIU’s defense that stole the show Tuesday night at the Convocation Center.

The Huskies (13-9, 9-3) held Brandon Hunter’s Ohio team (7-12, 4-7) to 25 percent shooting and sailed to a 80-53 MAC win.

“We really focused on coming out with a high energy level this game,” NIU coach Rob Judson said. “Our players are really coming into understanding their roles.”

While much of the focus was on Hunter, it was the Huskies who held the advantage in the paint.

Hunter finished with 18 points, but the Huskies outscored the Bobcats 40-12 in the paint.

Much of the team’s success goes to the Huskies’ defense, Ohio coach Tim O’Shea said.

“All the credit to Northern and their defense,” O’Shea said. “Their program has made tremendous strides during the year. They’re a team that has come together as the season has progressed.”

After Hunter made good on a baseline jumper from the right side to open the game, NIU outscored the Bobcats 21-4 to take a 21-6 lead at the 8-minute mark of the first half. The Huskies used 11 first-half points from Perry Smith to cruise to a 39-23 half time lead.

“We are becoming very disciplined in how we play our defense,” Judson said. “We’re doing what we’re supposed to do, the way our players are taught regardless of the pressure of the situation.”

After intermission, the Bobcats were able to climb within 13 points with 14:35 left in the game, but trailed by as many as 30 after a Perry Smith layup off a Jay Bates steal at the 4:17 mark of the second half.

Smith led all scorers with 19 points. The Huskies’ Marcus Smallwood was second in scoring for NIU with 17 points including eight rebounds and six blocks.

Rome Sanders helped the Huskies to a 28-7 advantage in bench points by scoring 12 points and grabbing 10 rebounds for the games only double-double.

For the Bobcats, Hunter scored 18 points but was held to 5-15 shooting from the floor. Steve Esterkamp was the only other Bobcat to score in double figures, chipping in with 16 points.

NIU, winner of nine of its last 10 games, seemed to make a favorable impression on O’Shea.

“I like their team overall,” O’Shea said. “They have a nice blend of players. This is a team that’s a legitimate contender not only in the division but in the longer picture … in the worst case they get a home game and in the best case, they get a bye to Cleveland [for the MAC Tournament]. They’re in good shape.”