NCAAB · Final

Huskies Edge Chippewas in Thrilling Finish

Saturday, December 20, 2025, 3:00 PM ET · NIU Convocation Center

Northern Illinois Huskies 74, Central Michigan Chippewas 73, final. Our NCAAB picks are sealed as a hash before kickoff and settled in public, losses included.

Next free pick (not the main pick)

The next free pick, for your email

Team, bet, price and the hash it was sealed under, on this page the moment you send. Lose or win, it stays public.

Unlock today's pick in Telegram →

or by email

Public record of the main pick, losses included: 115 won, 44 lost. See every pick

One free pick a day by email until you unsubscribe, in one click. 21+.

Get the daily free pick · See plans

Quick answers

Who won Central Michigan Chippewas vs Northern Illinois Huskies?

Northern Illinois Huskies beat Central Michigan Chippewas 74-73 at NIU Convocation Center on December 20, 2025.

Who was favored in Central Michigan Chippewas vs Northern Illinois Huskies?

Northern Illinois Huskies were the favorite at DraftKings, moneyline -135 (about 57% implied). The favorite won.

In a closely contested matchup, the Northern Illinois Huskies narrowly defeated the Central Michigan Chippewas with a final score of 74-73 at the NIU Convocation Center. This game was particularly significant as both teams entered with struggling records, making the outcome crucial for their confidence moving forward. Northern Illinois improved to a 5-7 record, while Central Michigan fell to 4-9.

The Huskies had a mixed recent form, holding a record of 3-6-1 in their last ten games, but they came into this game on a winning streak, having won their most recent contest against the East West Phantoms, 112-64. Their scoring average over the last ten games was 67.8 points, while they allowed an average of 68.8 points per game. At home, they had a record of 2-1, contrasting with their away record of 1-5, indicating a stronger performance when playing in front of their home crowd.

On the other hand, the Chippewas had a record of 3-7 in their last ten games, but they also came into this game with a win, having defeated the Olivet Comets 85-65. Central Michigan's scoring average was higher than that of the Huskies, at 72.6 points per game, but they allowed an average of 78.5 points, which reflects their defensive struggles. Their away record was particularly concerning at 1-6, while they fared better at home with a 2-1 record.

The two teams had met previously in the current season, splitting their two encounters. Central Michigan won the first meeting on January 18, 2025, with a score of 71-66, while Northern Illinois claimed victory in their second matchup on March 8, 2025, winning 83-81. This history added an extra layer of intensity to the game, as both teams sought to assert their dominance in this rivalry.

In terms of injuries, the block did not specify any key players missing from either side, which allowed both teams to field their strongest lineups. This factor likely contributed to the high level of competition witnessed throughout the game.

Betting lines from DraftKings indicated that Northern Illinois was favored by 2.5 points, with a total set at 149.5. The odds for the Huskies to win straight up were -135, while the Chippewas were at +114. This reflected a close matchup, with the market recognizing the potential for a tightly contested game.

The conditions at the NIU Convocation Center were conducive to a competitive game, with a lively crowd supporting the home team. The atmosphere likely played a role in the Huskies' performance, particularly in the final moments of the game.

As the game unfolded, it was clear that both teams were prepared to battle for every point. The scoring plays highlighted the back-and-forth nature of the contest, with significant contributions from key players. Notably, Makhai Valentine made a crucial 3-foot dunk that put Central Michigan ahead 70-66, showcasing the Chippewas' tenacity. However, the Huskies responded with a series of scoring plays, including a tip-in layup by Taj Walters that ultimately secured the win for Northern Illinois.

The final moments of the game were filled with tension, as the Huskies managed to edge out the Chippewas by a single point. This victory not only boosts Northern Illinois' morale but also sets a challenging path ahead for Central Michigan as they seek to improve their performance in the remainder of the season.

Odds

Book	Spread	Total	Moneyline
DraftKings	NIU -2.5	149.5 o -108 / u -112	Central Michigan Chippewas +114 · Northern Illinois Huskies -135

What these prices pay on $100 · What these numbers mean

Leaders

PointsDylan Ducommun18Northern Illinois Huskies
AssistsDylan Ducommun4Northern Illinois Huskies
ReboundsGustav Winther11Northern Illinois Huskies
PointsNick Mullen18Central Michigan Chippewas
AssistsPhat Phat Brooks7Central Michigan Chippewas
ReboundsNick Mullen7Central Michigan Chippewas

Recent form

Northern Illinois Huskies

Last 10: 3-6-1Streak W167.8 scored · 68.8 allowed per game2-1 at home

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
L59-88at Grand Canyon LopesNov 11

Central Michigan Chippewas

Last 10: 3-7Streak W172.6 scored · 78.5 allowed per game1-6 away

W85-65vs Olivet CometsDec 18
L55-78at Stony Brook SeawolvesDec 13
L65-107at Saint Louis BillikensDec 7
L72-83at Loyola Chicago RamblersDec 3
W112-67vs Adrian BulldogsNov 26
L71-85at Marquette Golden EaglesNov 22
L66-90vs Northern Kentucky NorseNov 21
W82-59at Coppin State EaglesNov 14
L64-66at South Alabama JaguarsNov 13
L54-85at Bradley BravesNov 9

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	Central Michigan Chippewas	Northern Illinois Huskies
Field goals	30-60	22-46
Field goal %	50	48
Three-pointers	6-21	5-19
Three-point %	29	26
Free throws	7-13	25-34
Free throw %	54	74
Rebounds	30	31
Offensive rebounds	13	12
Defensive rebounds	17	19
Assists	20	12
Steals	8	7
Blocks	4	0
Turnovers	13	16
Team turnovers	2	2
Technical fouls	0	0
Technical fouls, total	0	0
Flagrant fouls	0	0
Points off turnovers	18	10
Fast-break points	8	10
Points in the paint	44	34
Fouls	23	17
Largest lead	20	2
Lead changes	2	2
Time in front	90	3

How the scoring went

2nd Half48-31Daemar Kelly makes free throw 2 of 3
2nd Half48-32Daemar Kelly makes free throw 3 of 3
2nd Half48-33Dylan Ducommun makes free throw 1 of 2
2nd Half48-34Dylan Ducommun makes free throw 2 of 2
2nd Half50-34Phat Phat Brooks makes 13-foot turnaround jump shot (Logan McIntire assists)
2nd Half52-34Phat Phat Brooks makes layup (Jalen Kampen assists)
2nd Half54-34Logan McIntire makes driving layup (Nick Mullen assists)
2nd Half54-37Taj Walters makes 23-foot three point jumper (Dylan Ducommun assists)
2nd Half56-37Keenan Garner makes 0-foot tip in layup
2nd Half56-39Gianni Cobb makes driving layup
2nd Half56-41Hassan Washington makes layup (Gianni Cobb assists)
2nd Half56-43Hassan Washington makes 2-foot dunk (Gianni Cobb assists)
2nd Half58-43Nathan Claerbaut makes layup
2nd Half60-43Nick Mullen makes layup (Phat Phat Brooks assists)
2nd Half60-44Gustav Winther makes free throw 1 of 2
2nd Half60-45Gustav Winther makes free throw 2 of 2
2nd Half62-45Nathan Claerbaut makes layup (Logan McIntire assists)
2nd Half62-48Dylan Ducommun makes 23-foot three point jumper (Gianni Cobb assists)
2nd Half62-49Dylan Ducommun makes free throw 1 of 2
2nd Half62-50Dylan Ducommun makes free throw 2 of 2
2nd Half64-50Keenan Garner makes layup (Nick Mullen assists)
2nd Half64-52Gustav Winther makes 0-foot tip in layup
2nd Half64-54Taj Walters makes 0-foot tip in layup
2nd Half65-54Phat Phat Brooks makes free throw 2 of 2
2nd Half65-56Gustav Winther makes layup (Dylan Ducommun assists)
2nd Half65-57Dylan Ducommun makes free throw 1 of 2
2nd Half65-59Taj Walters makes layup
2nd Half68-59Logan McIntire makes 26-foot three point jumper
2nd Half68-62Makhai Valentine makes 24-foot three point jumper (Gianni Cobb assists)
2nd Half70-62Nathan Claerbaut makes layup
2nd Half70-63Gustav Winther makes free throw 1 of 2
2nd Half70-64Dylan Ducommun makes free throw 1 of 2
2nd Half70-66Makhai Valentine makes 3-foot dunk (Dylan Ducommun assists)
2nd Half73-66Logan McIntire makes 23-foot three point jumper (Nick Mullen assists)
2nd Half73-67Gustav Winther makes free throw 1 of 2
2nd Half73-68Gustav Winther makes free throw 2 of 2
2nd Half73-70Dylan Ducommun makes 10-foot floating jump shot
2nd Half73-71Dylan Ducommun makes free throw 1 of 2
2nd Half73-72Dylan Ducommun makes free throw 2 of 2
2nd Half73-74Taj Walters makes 0-foot tip in layup

Win probability

Above the line favours Northern Illinois Huskies, below favours Central Michigan Chippewas.