Central Michigan University Athletics
Central Michigan University
Northern Illinois*
Chippewa Men Stumble at Northern Illinois, 65-46
2/9/2005 12:00:00 AM | Men's Basketball
Feb. 9, 2005
DeKalb, Ill. -- A poor start and ice cold shooting from the field were more than the Central Michigan University men's basketball team could overcome here Wednesday night.
Northern Illinois jumped out to a 10-0 lead and never trailed in posting a 65-46 Mid-American Conference victory.
The loss was CMU's seventh straight and dropped its record to 7-14 for the season and 2-11 in MAC play. NIU is now 9-12 and 5-8.
The Huskies moved into the quick lead and rolled to a 32-20 halftime edge. The Chippewas did whittle the margin to seven at 33-26 at 16:13 in the second half but NIU regained control and pulled away.
CMU shot a woeful 29 percent from the field on 17-of-58, including 4-of-23 for 17 percent from three-point land. NIU was true on 49 percent of its shot, nailing 22-of-45. The Huskies hit a sizzling 10-of-17 from behind the arc, 7-of-11 in the first half.
"We had ample opportunities to make shots," said CMU head coach Jay Smith. "We missed layups and open shots. Somebody has to step up and make some shots."
Junior Kevin Nelson, back from a three-game suspension, posted a game-high 22 points for the Chippewas. Kevin scored 17 points in the second half and was the lone Chippewa in twin figures.
NIU countered with four men in double digits led by Anthony Maestranzi with 16 followed by Todd Peterson with 13, Mike McKinney 12 and James Hughes 11. McKinney also grabbed eight rebounds to lead the Huskies to a 39-29 rebounding edge.
Northern Illinois had 19 turnovers to CMU's 13 as the Chippewas recorded 10 steals.
CMU returns to the road this Saturday with a game at Eastern Michigan at 4 p.m.
