Northern Illinois Huskies Edge Buffalo Bulls in Close Contest
Tuesday, February 17, 2026, 6:30 PM ET · Broadview Arena
Northern Illinois Huskies 72, Buffalo Bulls 70, 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 Northern Illinois Huskies vs Buffalo Bulls?
Northern Illinois Huskies beat Buffalo Bulls 72-70 at Broadview Arena on February 17, 2026.
Who was favored in Northern Illinois Huskies vs Buffalo Bulls?
Buffalo Bulls were the favorite at DraftKings, moneyline -500 (about 83% implied). The underdog won.
In a thrilling encounter at Broadview Arena, the Northern Illinois Huskies narrowly defeated the Buffalo Bulls with a final score of 72-70. This victory marks the Huskies' third win in their last ten games, improving their overall record to 9-16, while the Bulls fall to 15-11, continuing a challenging stretch of form.
The Buffalo Bulls entered the game with a home record of 15-11 and had been struggling recently, holding a record of 2-8 in their last ten games, despite a recent win that snapped a five-game losing streak. Their average scoring during this stretch was 76.8 points per game, but they allowed an average of 81.3 points, indicating defensive vulnerabilities. In contrast, the Northern Illinois Huskies, with a record of 9-16, had a slightly better recent form with a record of 3-7 in their last ten games, although they were on a two-game losing streak prior to this match. The Huskies averaged 63.9 points scored and allowed 73.8 points during this period, showcasing their own struggles on both ends of the court.
Historically, the match-up between these two teams has favored the Bulls, who had won their previous two meetings against the Huskies. In their most recent encounter on December 31, 2025, the Bulls secured an 81-67 victory, and earlier in the same season, they won 73-67. However, this time, the Huskies turned the tables, demonstrating resilience and determination to clinch the win.
In terms of injuries, the block did not provide any specific details regarding player absences or injuries affecting either team, which could have played a role in the game's outcome. The betting market, as reported by DraftKings, had the Bulls favored by 9.5 points, with a moneyline of -500 for the home team and +380 for the Huskies. The total points line was set at 145.5, reflecting expectations for a competitive scoring affair.
The game conditions were not detailed in the block, but the competitive nature of the match suggests a high-stakes environment for both teams. Viewers were treated to a back-and-forth battle, with critical scoring plays in the second half that ultimately decided the outcome. Key moments included Angelo Brizzi's contributions, including a pair of free throws that helped maintain the Huskies' lead, and Makhai Valentine's impressive three-point shot that extended their advantage.
As the game progressed, the Bulls fought hard to close the gap, with notable plays from Noah Batchelor and Tim Oboh, but ultimately fell short in their efforts to secure a victory on their home court. The final moments were tense, with the Huskies managing to hold onto their slim lead despite the Bulls' late-game push.
This match serves as a reminder of the unpredictability of college basketball, where any team can rise to the occasion and secure a crucial win, as demonstrated by the Northern Illinois Huskies in this contest.
Odds
| Book | Spread | Total | Moneyline |
|---|---|---|---|
| DraftKings | BUF -9.5 | 145.5 o -110 / u -110 | Northern Illinois Huskies +380 · Buffalo Bulls -500 |
Leaders
- PointsAngelo Brizzi25Buffalo Bulls
- AssistsKyle Jones4Buffalo Bulls
- ReboundsAngelo Brizzi6Buffalo Bulls
- PointsGianni Cobb23Northern Illinois Huskies
- AssistsDylan Ducommun10Northern Illinois Huskies
- ReboundsTaj Walters8Northern Illinois Huskies
Recent form
Buffalo Bulls
Last 10: 2-8Streak W176.8 scored · 81.3 allowed per game0-5 at home
- W63-53at Ball State CardinalsFeb 12
- L69-81at South Alabama JaguarsFeb 7
- L71-73vs Miami (OH) RedHawksFeb 3
- L83-95vs Ohio BobcatsJan 31
- W89-78at Bowling Green FalconsJan 28
- L67-68vs Massachusetts MinutemenJan 24
- L63-82vs Akron ZipsJan 20
- L102-105at Miami (OH) RedHawksJan 17
- L81-87vs Kent State Golden FlashesJan 13
- L80-91at Ohio BobcatsJan 10
Northern Illinois Huskies
Last 10: 3-7Streak L263.9 scored · 73.8 allowed per game1-5 away
- L46-88at Central Michigan ChippewasFeb 14
- L52-68vs Bowling Green FalconsFeb 12
- W75-74at Georgia State PanthersFeb 7
- L61-85at Miami (OH) RedHawksJan 31
- W85-65vs Western Michigan BroncosJan 28
- L53-58at Ball State CardinalsJan 24
- L77-80at Ohio BobcatsJan 21
- W70-68vs Massachusetts MinutemenJan 17
- L59-77at Eastern Michigan EaglesJan 13
- L61-75vs Toledo RocketsJan 7
Standings
| Team | Overall | Games behind | In conference |
|---|---|---|---|
| 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 |
| 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 |
Box score
| Stat | Northern Illinois Huskies | Buffalo Bulls |
|---|---|---|
| Field goals | 24-50 | 25-54 |
| Field goal % | 48 | 46 |
| Three-pointers | 13-28 | 8-22 |
| Three-point % | 46 | 36 |
| Free throws | 11-15 | 12-17 |
| Free throw % | 73 | 71 |
| Rebounds | 35 | 25 |
| Offensive rebounds | 8 | 5 |
| Defensive rebounds | 27 | 20 |
| Assists | 19 | 11 |
| Steals | 5 | 8 |
| Blocks | 3 | 4 |
| Turnovers | 17 | 10 |
| Team turnovers | 1 | 0 |
| Technical fouls | 0 | 0 |
| Technical fouls, total | 0 | 0 |
| Flagrant fouls | 0 | 0 |
| Points off turnovers | 13 | 8 |
| Fast-break points | 7 | 7 |
| Points in the paint | 22 | 32 |
| Fouls | 16 | 14 |
| Largest lead | 9 | 9 |
| Lead changes | 11 | 11 |
| Time in front | 51 | 45 |
How the scoring went
- 2nd Half34-35Gianni Cobb makes 29-foot three point jumper (Dylan Ducommun assists)
- 2nd Half37-35Dylan Ducommun makes 28-foot three point jumper (Makhai Valentine assists)
- 2nd Half37-37Derrick Talton Jr. makes layup
- 2nd Half39-37Gustav Winther makes layup (Dylan Ducommun assists)
- 2nd Half39-40Ryan Sabol makes 25-foot three point jumper
- 2nd Half42-40Gianni Cobb makes 29-foot three point jumper
- 2nd Half45-40Makhai Valentine makes 24-foot three point jumper (Dylan Ducommun assists)
- 2nd Half45-41Ryan Sabol makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half46-41Dylan Ducommun makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half47-41Dylan Ducommun makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half47-43Derrick Talton Jr. makes layup
- 2nd Half47-44Angelo Brizzi makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half47-45Angelo Brizzi makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half49-45Gianni Cobb makes layup
- 2nd Half49-47Derrick Talton Jr. makes layup
- 2nd Half52-47Taj Walters makes 23-foot three point jumper
- 2nd Half52-48Tim Oboh makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half53-48Makhai Valentine makes free throw 1 of 3
- 2nd Half54-48Makhai Valentine makes free throw 3 of 3
- 2nd Half56-48Gianni Cobb makes layup
- 2nd Half56-51Ryan Sabol makes 25-foot three point jumper (Kyle Jones assists)
- 2nd Half58-51Taj Walters makes layup
- 2nd Half58-54Ryan Sabol makes 26-foot three point jumper
- 2nd Half61-54Taj Walters makes 25-foot three point jumper (Gianni Cobb assists)
- 2nd Half63-54Gustav Winther makes layup
- 2nd Half63-56Ryan Sabol makes layup
- 2nd Half63-57Ryan Sabol makes free throw 1 of 1
- 2nd Half63-58Angelo Brizzi makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half63-59Angelo Brizzi makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half64-59Gianni Cobb makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half65-59Gianni Cobb makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half65-60Angelo Brizzi makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half65-61Angelo Brizzi makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half68-61Makhai Valentine makes 24-foot three point jumper (Gianni Cobb assists)
- 2nd Half68-63Angelo Brizzi makes layup
- 2nd Half71-63Dylan Ducommun makes 28-foot three point jumper (Taj Walters assists)
- 2nd Half71-66Noah Batchelor makes 29-foot three point jumper (Derrick Talton Jr. assists)
- 2nd Half71-69Angelo Brizzi makes 27-foot three point jumper (Noah Batchelor assists)
- 2nd Half71-70Tim Oboh makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half72-70Gianni Cobb makes free throw 1 of 2
Win probability
Above the line favours Buffalo Bulls, below favours Northern Illinois Huskies.
Venue
- Broadview ArenaBuffalo, NY
- Attendance1802
- OfficialsJim Bruno, King Whetstone, Tariq Lucas
Elsewhere
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- Men's NCAA basketball 2026-27 Way-Too-Early Top 25 rankings
- Transfers, recruits and roster moves for key men's NCAA basketball teams
- Michigan 5-star freshman Brandon McCoy Jr. (knee) to miss season
- With $6.5 million left on deal, UCLA fires AD Martin Jarmond