James scores 20, NIU beats Ohio in overtime MAC opener
ATHENS, Ohio -- Lacey James scored 20 points, including the tiebreaking free throws in overtime, and Northern Illinois beat Ohio 72-66 on Saturday in a Mid-American Conference opener.
James was fouled on a putback -- he finished with 14 rebounds -- and made two free throws for a 68-66 lead and added two more with 48 seconds left. He missed a pair seconds later but the Huskies retained possession and Levi Bradley added the final points at the line.
Ohio's Ben Vander Plas was fouled making a tying 3-pointer with 8.4 seconds left in regulation but missed the free throw before NIU missed a shot and a tip-in on the other end to send the game to overtime.
Eugene German added 16 points with four 3-pointers for NIU (8-6).
Teyvion Kirk scored 22 points with nine rebounds for Ohio (8-5), which lost for the first time in eight home games this season after blowing a 14-point lead in under three minutes early in the second half.
The Bobcats made only 11 of 25 free throws.
Game Information
- Referees:
- David Cronin
- Bart Wegenke
- Matt Morales
2023-24 Mid-American Conference Standings
| Team | CONF | GB | OVR |
|---|---|---|---|
| Toledo | 14-4 | - | 20-12 |
| Akron | 13-5 | 1 | 24-11 |
| Ohio | 13-5 | 1 | 20-13 |
| Central Michigan | 12-6 | 2 | 18-14 |
| Bowling Green | 10-8 | 4 | 20-14 |
| Miami (OH) | 9-9 | 5 | 15-17 |
| Western Michigan | 9-9 | 5 | 12-20 |
| Kent State | 8-10 | 6 | 17-17 |
| Ball State | 7-11 | 7 | 15-16 |
| Eastern Michigan | 6-12 | 8 | 13-18 |
| Northern Illinois | 5-13 | 9 | 11-20 |
| Buffalo | 2-16 | 12 | 4-27 |
Men's College Basketball News
