NIU men’s basketball coach Andy Greer was happy to see Matt Nelson finally get some touches in the post.

The junior center, who grabbed 5 rebounds, got the ball inside more than usual Tuesday, scoring a team-high 16 points off 5-of-7 from the floor and 6-of-7 from the free-throw line in the Huskies 91-63 loss to Ohio.

The Huskies (4-12 overall, 3-4 Mid-American Conference) still hit 21 percent of their 3-pointers, shooting 4-of-19.

They were coming off a surprising upset over MAC West Division leader Toledo 69-67, but the loss to the Bobcats kills any momentum the Huskies had going into the heat of conference play.

“I was proud the way our kids ended the game,” Greer said. “Usually at the end of the game like this, guys are jacking up shots from all over, but we got the ball inside to Matt. Their pressure really bothered us. Our turnovers led to easy points for them. You can’t guard guys who are shooting lay-ups.”

NIU was able to take the 13-12 lead early on, and the Huskies started thinking upset. But the Bobcats stopped any thoughts, taking over 14-13 in the first half and never looking back after that mark.

Ohio would build a 37-point lead with 2:33 remaining in the game. The Huskies were able to hold the Bobcats scoreless in the remaining 2:33 and make a 9-point run.

Steve Esterkamp, who had 7 rebounds, led the Bobcats with 16 points with Patrick Flomo adding 14. Junior forward Leon Rodgers scored 16 points and grabbed 4 boards.

Senior guard Stephen Jones continued his tear since coming back from being ineligible for the fall semester. Jones finished with 14 points and 8 rebounds.

Greer was upset at the perimeter play of Mike Brown and Al Sewasciuk, who combined for 6 points. Brown went 1-for-6 from the floor and 0-for-3 from 3-point land. Sewasciuk went 2-for-10 from the floor and 0-for-7 from 3-point land.

“For us to win, we need to have our perimeter players to shoot well,” Greer said. “During their run, we needed to make some free throws. You can hang in the game if you make your free throws. Our free-throw shooting hurt us.”