Northern Illinois defeats Western Michigan

Tribune News Services

Mike DiNunno had 21 points and 10 assists, and Northern Illinois made 60 percent of its 3-point attempts in defeating Western Michigan 87-77.

Sean Kowal had 18 points and seven rebounds, Xavier Silas scored 15 points and Darion Anderson 12 for Northern Illinois (6-8, 2-0 Mid-American), which overcame an early 26-12 deficit with hot outside shooting. DiNunno made six of the Huskies' 12 3-pointers.

Northern Illinois shot 50 percent from the field in the second half, including 5-for-7 from behind the arc, and finished the game at 46 percent overall.

David Kool led all scorers with 26 points for Western Michigan (9-6, 1-1).