Men’s basketball loses close game in DeKalb

Northern Star File Photo

Entrance of the NIU Convocation Center, 1525 W. Lincoln Highway.

By Kyle Mathas

DeKALB — Men’s basketball dropped another close game in Mid-American Conference play Saturday late in the season to the University of Miami-Ohio, 69-64. 

The Huskies, who have struggled to close out games this season, dropped another close game that could have been won by different plays late in the game. Last time the Huskies played Miami, they lost on the road by 12 points. 

The Huskies were led by junior guard Trendon Hankerson who made 22 points, shooting over 50% from the field. Right behind Hankerson was sophomore guard Tyler Cochran with 11 points, two rebounds and a steal as well. The Huskies shot 49.1% from the field and 36.8% shooting from the 3-point arc.

The RedHawks were led by sophomore guard Dae Dae Grant with 26 points and played 39 out of 40 minutes in the entire game. Also leading the RedHawks was senior forward Dalonte Brown with 16 points and junior guard Mekhi Lairy who had 14 points.

For the Huskies, they fall to a 2-13 record and 1-9 in conference play. As of right now, they are at the bottom of the MAC standings with four games left in the season.

The Huskies’ next bout will be against the University at Buffalo Bulls 4 p.m. Tuesday at the NIU Convocation Center in DeKalb. Both teams are looking to bounce back after a loss in their previous games. The game will be available on ESPN3.