With Kent State losing earlier in the day at Ohio, the Huskies needed a win to gain sole possession of the entire MAC. They did just that as they won 70-68 in overtime over Eastern Michigan.

The Huskies (14-9, 10-3 MAC) held a 52-44 lead before EMU went on a 14-0 run to lead by six with 6:51 to play.

NIU guard Perry Smith then knocked down two free throws with 18 seconds left to send the game into overtime.

“I’m so proud of the way that our guys played in overtime,” NIU coach Rob Judson said. “We came up with some big offensive rebounds, then Mike Morrison got a big stop for us. In regulation, we had the game under control a bit at 52-44 and then the next thing you know Eastern Michigan is on top 58-52.”

In overtime, NIU outscored EMU 6-4 with Huskie forward Marcus Smallwood scoring all six points.

Smallwood finished with game-highs of 18 points and 11 rebounds, his eleventh double-double of the season.

Senior point guard Jay Bates added 17 points, a career-high nine rebounds, six assists and six steals.

NIU’s string of five consecutive games of shooting over 50 percent was snapped. EMU held the Huskies to 24-of-67 (35.8 percent) from the floor.

EMU, the best rebounding team in the MAC managed just 28 rebounds to the Huskies’ 50 boards, 26 of which were offensive. The plethora of offensive rebounds resulted in 23 more shots for the Huskies over their opponents.

“Our guys play with such unbelievable heart,” Judson said. “I don’t know how to gauge this team. Our team togetherness is outstanding. Tonight, we overcame a lot of obstacles again. It leaves me speechless.”

NIU depended on its bench for some help and it outscored EMU’s 22-14. Off the pine, junior Al Sewasciuk chipped in 14 points with four three-pointers.

The game saw seven lead changes and eight ties.

“We knew it would be an absolute battle from start to finish,” Judson said. “I’m really proud of the team and getting away with this win.”

At 10-3 in the MAC, the Huskies are a half game ahead of the East’s Kent State for best record in the entire MAC. The Huskies beat the Golden Flashes 67-61 on Feb. 8. Central Michigan, who defeated Toledo 66-64 on Saturday remains a half game behind NIU in the MAC West.

NIU and Central Michigan will play this Saturday at the Convocation Center for first place in the MAC West. The Chippewas are led by 7-foot junior Chris Kaman. Kaman is averaging 21.4 points a game and 11.6 rebounds for CMU, which is 16-5 overall and 9-3 in the MAC.

While NIU doesn’t have any games until Saturday’s showdown, CMU hosts a Ball State team on Wednesday that won its last four games, including victories over MAC East leaders Kent State and Miami.