Buffalo Bulls Defeat Northern Illinois Huskies 81-67
Wednesday, December 31, 2025, 1:00 PM ET · NIU Convocation Center
Buffalo Bulls 81, Northern Illinois Huskies 67, final. Our NCAAB picks are sealed as a hash before kickoff and settled in public, losses included.
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Quick answers
Who won Buffalo Bulls vs Northern Illinois Huskies?
Buffalo Bulls beat Northern Illinois Huskies 81-67 at NIU Convocation Center on December 31, 2025.
Who was favored in Buffalo Bulls vs Northern Illinois Huskies?
Buffalo Bulls were the favorite at DraftKings, moneyline -270 (about 73% implied). The favorite won.
The Buffalo Bulls secured a decisive victory over the Northern Illinois Huskies with a final score of 81-67. This matchup took place at the NIU Convocation Center on December 31, 2025. The Bulls' strong performance continues to highlight their position as a formidable team in the NCAAB landscape, improving their record to 13-2, while the Huskies fell to 5-9.
In terms of recent form, the Huskies entered this game with a record of 4-5-1 over their last ten games, including a two-game winning streak. They averaged 69.3 points scored while allowing 67.3 points per game. Their home record stood at 3-1, contrasting with a weaker away record of 1-4. The Bulls, on the other hand, have been in excellent form, boasting an 8-2 record in their last ten games and also riding a two-game winning streak. They averaged 79.8 points scored and allowed 71.1 points per game during this stretch, with a home record of 4-1 and an away record of 4-1.
The previous meeting between these two teams this season saw the Bulls edge out the Huskies with a score of 73-67 on February 12, 2025, marking the only prior encounter in the current season. Buffalo's consistent performance against Northern Illinois has been evident, as they have now won both matchups this season.
In terms of injuries, there were no significant updates provided that would affect either team's roster for this game, allowing both sides to field their strongest lineups. The betting market, as provided by DraftKings, had the Bulls favored by 6.5 points, with a total set at 152.5. The odds for the Bulls to win straight up were listed at -270, while the Huskies were at +220.
The game conditions were typical for a late December evening, with no adverse weather factors impacting the indoor venue. Fans could expect a competitive atmosphere as both teams aimed to capitalize on their respective strengths.
As the game progressed, the Bulls showcased their offensive prowess, particularly in the second half. Key scoring plays included a significant three-point jumper by Daniel Freitag, which extended Buffalo's lead to 76-63. The Bulls maintained their advantage with consistent free throws, including contributions from Makhai Valentine and Ryan Sabol, who both added to the scoreline in crucial moments.
The Huskies, despite their efforts, struggled to keep pace with the Bulls' scoring, finishing the game with a total of 67 points. The final quarter saw them attempt to close the gap, but Buffalo's defense and offensive execution proved too strong.
Overall, the Buffalo Bulls' victory over the Northern Illinois Huskies highlighted their strong season and ability to perform under pressure, while the Huskies will look to regroup and improve as they continue through their schedule.
Odds
| Book | Spread | Total | Moneyline |
|---|---|---|---|
| DraftKings | BUF -6.5 | 152.5 o -112 / u -108 | Buffalo Bulls -270 · Northern Illinois Huskies +220 |
Leaders
- PointsDylan Ducommun19Northern Illinois Huskies
- AssistsDylan Ducommun4Northern Illinois Huskies
- ReboundsMakhai Valentine6Northern Illinois Huskies
- PointsDaniel Freitag33Buffalo Bulls
- AssistsRyan Sabol4Buffalo Bulls
- ReboundsDaniel Freitag5Buffalo Bulls
Recent form
Northern Illinois Huskies
Last 10: 4-5-1Streak W269.3 scored · 67.3 allowed per game3-1 at home
- W74-73vs Central Michigan ChippewasDec 20
- W112-64vs East West PhantomsDec 17
- L79-85at Elon PhoenixDec 13
- L55-84at Bradley BravesDec 7
- L64-99vs Lindenwood LionsDec 3
- D0-0vs Bellarmine KnightsNov 29
- L59-77at Austin Peay GovernorsNov 26
- W76-59at Loyola Chicago RamblersNov 22
- L57-70at Northern Iowa PanthersNov 19
- W117-62vs Benedictine (IL) EaglesNov 14
Buffalo Bulls
Last 10: 8-2Streak W279.8 scored · 71.1 allowed per game4-1 away
- W92-63vs Penn State Behrend LionsDec 22
- W88-71at Western Michigan BroncosDec 20
- L70-73at East Carolina PiratesDec 14
- W83-79at UMBC RetrieversDec 9
- L69-77vs St. Bonaventure BonniesDec 6
- W71-53at Canisius Golden GriffinsNov 29
- W73-71at Bucknell BisonNov 26
- W78-70vs VMI KeydetsNov 24
- W94-90vs Vermont CatamountsNov 18
- W80-64vs RIT TigersNov 15
Standings
| Team | Overall | Games behind | In conference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Miami (OH) | 32-2 | - | 18-0 |
| Akron | 29-6 | 1 | 17-1 |
| Kent State | 24-10 | 4 | 14-4 |
| Toledo | 19-15 | 7 | 11-7 |
| Bowling Green | 18-14 | 9 | 9-9 |
| Ohio | 15-17 | 9 | 9-9 |
| Buffalo | 17-15 | 11 | 7-11 |
| Massachusetts | 17-16 | 11 | 7-11 |
| Ball State | 12-19 | 11 | 7-11 |
| Central Michigan | 10-21 | 12 | 6-12 |
| Western Michigan | 10-21 | 14 | 4-14 |
| Eastern Michigan | 10-21 | 14 | 4-14 |
| Northern Illinois | 9-21 | 10 | 4-14 |
| Wright State | 23-12 | - | 15-5 |
| Robert Morris | 22-11 | 2 | 13-7 |
| Green Bay | 18-15 | 3 | 12-8 |
| Detroit Mercy | 17-15 | 3 | 12-8 |
| Oakland | 16-16 | 3 | 12-8 |
| Purdue Fort Wayne | 17-15 | 4 | 11-9 |
| Northern Kentucky | 20-14 | 5 | 10-10 |
| Youngstown State | 15-17 | 7 | 8-12 |
| Milwaukee | 12-20 | 7 | 8-12 |
| Cleveland State | 11-22 | 9 | 6-14 |
| IU Indianapolis | 7-25 | 12 | 3-17 |
Box score
| Stat | Buffalo Bulls | Northern Illinois Huskies |
|---|---|---|
| Field goals | 27-55 | 23-56 |
| Field goal % | 49 | 41 |
| Three-pointers | 11-26 | 7-32 |
| Three-point % | 42 | 22 |
| Free throws | 16-23 | 14-16 |
| Free throw % | 70 | 88 |
| Rebounds | 34 | 31 |
| Offensive rebounds | 11 | 10 |
| Defensive rebounds | 23 | 21 |
| Assists | 15 | 12 |
| Steals | 10 | 5 |
| Blocks | 3 | 2 |
| Turnovers | 14 | 14 |
| Team turnovers | 0 | 0 |
| Technical fouls | 0 | 0 |
| Technical fouls, total | 0 | 0 |
| Flagrant fouls | 0 | 0 |
| Points off turnovers | 17 | 18 |
| Fast-break points | 8 | 12 |
| Points in the paint | 30 | 32 |
| Fouls | 16 | 18 |
| Largest lead | 16 | 4 |
| Lead changes | 1 | 1 |
| Time in front | 83 | 16 |
How the scoring went
- 2nd Half45-37Ezra McKenna makes 3-foot jumper (Angelo Brizzi assists)
- 2nd Half45-40Makhai Valentine makes 25-foot three point jumper (Dylan Ducommun assists)
- 2nd Half48-40Noah Batchelor makes 25-foot three point jumper (Ezra McKenna assists)
- 2nd Half48-41Taj Walters makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half48-42Taj Walters makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half50-42Ryan Sabol makes 18-foot jumper
- 2nd Half52-42Derrick Talton Jr. makes layup
- 2nd Half52-45Taj Walters makes 25-foot three point jumper (Gianni Cobb assists)
- 2nd Half52-47Ladji Kante makes 0-foot tip in layup
- 2nd Half55-47Ryan Sabol makes 25-foot three point jumper (Derrick Talton Jr. assists)
- 2nd Half56-47Tim Oboh makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half56-48Ladji Kante makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half56-49Ladji Kante makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half56-51Dylan Ducommun makes layup (Gianni Cobb assists)
- 2nd Half58-51Derrick Talton Jr. makes layup
- 2nd Half58-52Taj Walters makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half58-53Taj Walters makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half59-53Ryan Sabol makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half60-53Ryan Sabol makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half62-53Daniel Freitag makes 3-foot dunk
- 2nd Half62-55Makhai Valentine makes layup
- 2nd Half63-55Daniel Freitag makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half64-55Daniel Freitag makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half64-56Dylan Ducommun makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half64-57Dylan Ducommun makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half66-57Daniel Freitag makes layup
- 2nd Half67-57Daniel Freitag makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half68-57Daniel Freitag makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half68-59Makhai Valentine makes layup
- 2nd Half70-59Angelo Brizzi makes layup
- 2nd Half71-59Angelo Brizzi makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half71-62Makhai Valentine makes 25-foot three point jumper
- 2nd Half71-63Makhai Valentine makes free throw 1 of 1
- 2nd Half72-63Ryan Sabol makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half73-63Ryan Sabol makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half76-63Daniel Freitag makes 25-foot three point jumper (Angelo Brizzi assists)
- 2nd Half76-65Gustav Winther makes layup (Makhai Valentine assists)
- 2nd Half78-65Daniel Freitag makes layup
- 2nd Half81-65Daniel Freitag makes 24-foot three point jumper (Derrick Talton Jr. assists)
- 2nd Half81-67Dylan Ducommun makes 14-foot jumper
Win probability
Above the line favours Northern Illinois Huskies, below favours Buffalo Bulls.
Venue
- NIU Convocation CenterDekalb, IL
- Attendance1006
- OfficialsAlfred Smith, Tim Stewart, Tariq Lucas
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