N. Illinois 72, E. Michigan 52

Jan 21, 2009, 04:15 am

DEKALB, Ill. -- Sean Kowal scored a game-high 20 points and Darion Anderson added 16 to lead Northern Illinois to a 72-52 victory over Eastern Michigan Tuesday night.

Two other Huskies (6-10, 2-2 Mid-American Conference) scored in the double digits. Sean Smith had 10 points and Ante Dzepina came off the bench and added another 10 and six rebounds.

Northern Illinois dominated the boards, shooting nearly 63 percent, or 27-of-43 from the field. That was compared with 38 percent, or 19-of-50 for Eastern Michigan (3-15, 1-3).

The Huskies jumped out to a 5-3 lead on a 3-pointer by Mike Dinunno two minutes into the game and never trailed again.

Northern Illinois, which led 35-17 at the half, totaled 42 points in the paint to Eastern Michigan's 26.

Brandon Bowdry had 16 points and a game-high nine rebounds for the Eagles. Justin Dobbins chipped in 10 points.