Northern Illinois Edges Massachusetts in Nail-Biter
Saturday, January 17, 2026, 3:00 PM ET · NIU Convocation Center
Northern Illinois Huskies 70, Massachusetts Minutemen 68, 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 Massachusetts Minutemen vs Northern Illinois Huskies?
Northern Illinois Huskies beat Massachusetts Minutemen 70-68 at NIU Convocation Center on January 17, 2026.
Who was favored in Massachusetts Minutemen vs Northern Illinois Huskies?
Massachusetts Minutemen were the favorite at DraftKings, moneyline -395 (about 80% implied). The underdog won.
In a thrilling encounter at the NIU Convocation Center, the Northern Illinois Huskies narrowly defeated the Massachusetts Minutemen with a final score of 70-68. This matchup was particularly noteworthy as it showcased the Huskies' resilience, overcoming a challenging season to secure a crucial victory against a team with a better record. Northern Illinois entered the game with a home record of 6-11, while Massachusetts boasted an away record of 11-8.
Both teams came into this game with contrasting recent forms. The Huskies had struggled in their last ten games, posting a record of 2-7-1, and were on a four-game losing streak. Their scoring average during this stretch was 64.4 points per game, while they allowed an average of 71.5 points. In their last five games, they managed to score an average of 66.8 points but conceded 76.6 points, indicating defensive vulnerabilities. In contrast, the Minutemen had a more favorable record of 6-4 in their last ten outings and were riding a two-game winning streak. They averaged 83.0 points scored per game and allowed 75.8 points, showcasing their offensive capabilities.
At home, Northern Illinois had a record of 2-3, while Massachusetts performed equally well on the road with a 3-2 record. This fixture was a critical opportunity for the Huskies to turn their season around, especially given their struggles away from home.
In their previous meetings, the teams had not faced each other recently, adding an element of unpredictability to this matchup. The injury report did not indicate any significant absences that would impact the game, allowing both teams to field their strongest lineups.
The betting market, as provided by DraftKings, had set the odds with Massachusetts favored by 8.5 points, reflecting their stronger record. The total for the game was set at 157.5 points, with the odds for the over at -108.0 and the under at -112.0. The moneyline odds indicated Massachusetts at -395 and Northern Illinois at +310, further emphasizing the expectations for the Minutemen to win.
The game conditions were favorable, with no significant weather or venue issues reported, allowing both teams to focus solely on the competition. As the game unfolded, viewers were treated to a closely contested battle that kept fans on the edge of their seats.
Key moments in the second half included a series of free throws that ultimately decided the game. Gustav Winther and Dylan Ducommun made crucial free throws for Northern Illinois, helping them maintain a slight edge as the clock wound down. The Huskies' ability to capitalize on free throw opportunities proved decisive, with Gianni Cobb sealing the win with his successful free throw in the final moments.
Ultimately, Northern Illinois' victory not only provided a much-needed boost to their morale but also highlighted their potential to compete against stronger opponents. The win marked a significant turnaround for the Huskies, who will look to build on this momentum in their upcoming games.
Odds
| Book | Spread | Total | Moneyline |
|---|---|---|---|
| DraftKings | MASS -8.5 | 157.5 o -108 / u -112 | Massachusetts Minutemen -395 · Northern Illinois Huskies +310 |
Leaders
- PointsMakhai Valentine27Northern Illinois Huskies
- AssistsGianni Cobb6Northern Illinois Huskies
- ReboundsTaj Walters8Northern Illinois Huskies
- PointsLeonardo Bettiol25Massachusetts Minutemen
- AssistsMarcus Banks Jr.3Massachusetts Minutemen
- ReboundsLeonardo Bettiol7Massachusetts Minutemen
Recent form
Northern Illinois Huskies
Last 10: 2-7-1Streak L464.4 scored · 71.5 allowed per game2-3 at home
- L59-77at Eastern Michigan EaglesJan 13
- L61-75vs Toledo RocketsJan 7
- L73-77at Kent State Golden FlashesJan 3
- L67-81vs Buffalo BullsDec 31
- 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
Massachusetts Minutemen
Last 10: 6-4Streak W283 scored · 75.8 allowed per game3-2 away
- W85-82at Western Michigan BroncosJan 14
- W79-71vs Ball State CardinalsJan 10
- L83-86at Ohio BobcatsJan 6
- L100-101vs Bowling Green FalconsJan 3
- L74-80at Eastern Michigan EaglesDec 31
- W91-40vs UMass Boston BeaconsDec 22
- L59-69vs Kent State Golden FlashesDec 20
- W103-95at Florida State SeminolesDec 13
- W76-74at Boston College EaglesDec 11
- W80-60vs UMass Lowell River HawksDec 6
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 | Massachusetts Minutemen | Northern Illinois Huskies |
|---|---|---|
| Field goals | 20-52 | 21-58 |
| Field goal % | 38 | 36 |
| Three-pointers | 7-19 | 7-29 |
| Three-point % | 37 | 24 |
| Free throws | 21-30 | 21-30 |
| Free throw % | 70 | 70 |
| Rebounds | 34 | 41 |
| Offensive rebounds | 10 | 15 |
| Defensive rebounds | 24 | 26 |
| Assists | 11 | 13 |
| Steals | 10 | 13 |
| Blocks | 8 | 2 |
| Turnovers | 18 | 14 |
| Team turnovers | 0 | 0 |
| Technical fouls | 1 | 1 |
| Technical fouls, total | 1 | 1 |
| Flagrant fouls | 0 | 0 |
| Points off turnovers | 8 | 24 |
| Fast-break points | 13 | 15 |
| Points in the paint | 24 | 28 |
| Fouls | 22 | 20 |
| Largest lead | 3 | 12 |
| Lead changes | 6 | 6 |
| Time in front | 8 | 75 |
How the scoring went
- 2nd Half35-42Hassan Washington makes layup (Makhai Valentine assists)
- 2nd Half37-42Leonardo Bettiol makes layup (Marcus Banks Jr. assists)
- 2nd Half37-45Makhai Valentine makes 26-foot three point jumper (Dylan Ducommun assists)
- 2nd Half40-45K'Jei Parker makes 25-foot three point jumper (Leonardo Bettiol assists)
- 2nd Half41-45Jayden Ndjigue makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half43-45Leonardo Bettiol makes layup
- 2nd Half44-45Leonardo Bettiol makes free throw 1 of 1
- 2nd Half44-47Makhai Valentine makes layup
- 2nd Half46-47Leonardo Bettiol makes layup
- 2nd Half47-47Leonardo Bettiol makes free throw 1 of 1
- 2nd Half47-50Makhai Valentine makes 24-foot three point jumper (Dylan Ducommun assists)
- 2nd Half50-50Marcus Banks Jr. makes 24-foot three point jumper (K'Jei Parker assists)
- 2nd Half50-51Hassan Washington makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half50-52Dylan Ducommun makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half52-52Leonardo Bettiol makes layup
- 2nd Half54-52Jayden Ndjigue makes 6-foot jumper
- 2nd Half54-54Gustav Winther makes 5-foot dunk
- 2nd Half54-55Gianni Cobb makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half54-56Gianni Cobb makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half54-58Makhai Valentine makes 0-foot tip in dunk
- 2nd Half54-60Makhai Valentine makes layup
- 2nd Half55-60Leonardo Bettiol makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half56-60Leonardo Bettiol makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half57-60Leonardo Bettiol makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half58-60Leonardo Bettiol makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half60-60Marcus Banks Jr. makes layup
- 2nd Half60-62Hassan Washington makes layup (Taj Walters assists)
- 2nd Half62-62Leonardo Bettiol makes layup (Marcus Banks Jr. assists)
- 2nd Half62-63Makhai Valentine makes free throw 2 of 3
- 2nd Half62-64Makhai Valentine makes free throw 3 of 3
- 2nd Half64-64K'Jei Parker makes layup
- 2nd Half66-64K'Jei Parker makes layup
- 2nd Half66-65Gustav Winther makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half66-66Gustav Winther makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half66-67Dylan Ducommun makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half66-68Dylan Ducommun makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half67-68Leonardo Bettiol makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half67-69Taj Walters makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half67-70Gianni Cobb makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half68-70Jayden Ndjigue makes free throw 1 of 2
Win probability
Above the line favours Northern Illinois Huskies, below favours Massachusetts Minutemen.
Venue
- NIU Convocation CenterDekalb, IL
- Attendance1535
- OfficialsGreg Langsdorf, Kenneth Moreland, Mason Siler
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