Central Michigan Dominates Northern Illinois 88-46
Saturday, February 14, 2026, 5:00 PM ET · McGuirk Arena
Central Michigan Chippewas 88, Northern Illinois Huskies 46, 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 Central Michigan Chippewas?
Central Michigan Chippewas beat Northern Illinois Huskies 88-46 at McGuirk Arena on February 14, 2026.
Who was favored in Northern Illinois Huskies vs Central Michigan Chippewas?
Central Michigan Chippewas were the favorite at DraftKings, moneyline -205 (about 67% implied). The favorite won.
In a decisive victory, the Central Michigan Chippewas defeated the Northern Illinois Huskies with a final score of 88-46 at McGuirk Arena. This matchup showcased Central Michigan's ability to dominate on their home court, improving their home record to 4-2 in their last six games at McGuirk Arena.
Central Michigan entered the game with a record of 8-17, while Northern Illinois held a slightly better record at 8-16. Both teams have struggled throughout the season, but Central Michigan's recent form showed a slight edge. In their last ten games, the Chippewas recorded a 3-7 record, with an average of 75.5 points scored and 79.4 points allowed. In contrast, the Huskies also posted a 3-7 record in their last ten, averaging 66.6 points scored and 72.7 points allowed. This disparity in scoring averages highlighted Central Michigan's offensive capabilities going into the game.
The Chippewas had been on a two-game losing streak prior to this matchup, while the Huskies were coming off a loss against Bowling Green, making it one loss in their last game. Central Michigan's recent performance included a notable win against Eastern Michigan, where they scored 100 points, showcasing their potential to put up big numbers when playing at home.
Historically, the Chippewas and Huskies have faced each other three times in the last two seasons, with Central Michigan holding a 1-2 record against Northern Illinois. Their previous meetings included a narrow loss earlier in the season, where Central Michigan fell 73-74, and another close game last season that ended 81-83 in favor of Northern Illinois. This game was crucial for Central Michigan to even the score against their rivals.
In terms of injuries, the block did not specify any key players missing from either team, which meant both squads were at full strength for this important matchup. The betting market, as provided by DraftKings, favored Central Michigan, with a spread of -4.5 and a moneyline of -205, indicating a strong belief in their chances to win.
The conditions at McGuirk Arena were favorable for a high-scoring game, with a total set at 146.5 points. Given Central Michigan's scoring average and Northern Illinois's struggles to keep pace defensively, the expectation was that Central Michigan would take control early.
As the game unfolded, Central Michigan demonstrated their offensive prowess, with key plays including a driving layup by Gianni Cobb and a series of three-pointers from Kayden Nation and Jorden Brooks. The Chippewas capitalized on their home advantage, effectively executing their game plan and limiting Northern Illinois's scoring opportunities.
The final score of 88-46 not only reflects Central Michigan's dominance in this particular game but also serves as a statement regarding their potential as they move forward in the season. The Chippewas' ability to score effectively while maintaining a strong defense was on full display, leaving the Huskies struggling to find answers.
Overall, this game was a significant win for Central Michigan, showcasing their capabilities as they look to build momentum heading into the latter part of the season.
Odds
| Book | Spread | Total | Moneyline |
|---|---|---|---|
| DraftKings | CMU -4.5 | 146.5 o -105 / u -115 | Northern Illinois Huskies +170 · Central Michigan Chippewas -205 |
Leaders
- PointsJaxson Whitaker19Central Michigan Chippewas
- AssistsTamario Adley6Central Michigan Chippewas
- ReboundsKeenan Garner11Central Michigan Chippewas
- PointsMakhai Valentine13Northern Illinois Huskies
- AssistsGianni Cobb3Northern Illinois Huskies
- ReboundsMakhai Valentine6Northern Illinois Huskies
Recent form
Central Michigan Chippewas
Last 10: 3-7Streak L275.5 scored · 79.4 allowed per game3-2 at home
- L80-85at Louisiana Ragin' CajunsFeb 7
- L89-95at Massachusetts MinutemenFeb 4
- W62-59vs Bowling Green FalconsFeb 1
- W100-65vs Eastern Michigan EaglesJan 28
- L65-77at Western Michigan BroncosJan 24
- L67-68vs Ball State CardinalsJan 21
- L61-100at Miami (OH) RedHawksJan 14
- W87-85vs Kent State Golden FlashesJan 10
- L69-82at Akron ZipsJan 7
- L75-78vs Toledo RocketsJan 3
Northern Illinois Huskies
Last 10: 3-7Streak L166.6 scored · 72.7 allowed per game1-5 away
- 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
- L73-77at Kent State Golden FlashesJan 3
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 | Central Michigan Chippewas |
|---|---|---|
| Field goals | 15-55 | 37-59 |
| Field goal % | 27 | 63 |
| Three-pointers | 4-20 | 7-11 |
| Three-point % | 20 | 64 |
| Free throws | 12-27 | 7-10 |
| Free throw % | 44 | 70 |
| Rebounds | 32 | 38 |
| Offensive rebounds | 15 | 7 |
| Defensive rebounds | 17 | 31 |
| Assists | 6 | 18 |
| Steals | 5 | 9 |
| Blocks | 5 | 7 |
| Turnovers | 17 | 10 |
| Team turnovers | 1 | 1 |
| Technical fouls | 0 | 1 |
| Technical fouls, total | 0 | 1 |
| Flagrant fouls | 0 | 1 |
| Points off turnovers | 4 | 26 |
| Fast-break points | 13 | 17 |
| Points in the paint | 20 | 52 |
| Fouls | 13 | 22 |
| Largest lead | 0 | 43 |
| Lead changes | 0 | 0 |
| Time in front | 0 | 99 |
How the scoring went
- 1st Half18-49Keenan Garner makes layup (Phat Phat Brooks assists)
- 1st Half20-49Gianni Cobb makes driving layup
- 1st Half20-51Keenan Garner makes layup (Nathan Claerbaut assists)
- 1st Half22-51Taj Walters makes layup (Carlos Coronado assists)
- 2nd Half22-52Keenan Garner makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half22-53Keenan Garner makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half24-53Taj Walters makes 9-foot jumper
- 2nd Half24-55Nathan Claerbaut makes 11-foot hook shot
- 2nd Half26-55Jaylen Wharton makes driving layup
- 2nd Half26-57Nathan Claerbaut makes 5-foot hook shot
- 2nd Half26-59Keenan Garner makes 0-foot tip in layup
- 2nd Half28-59Makhai Valentine makes driving layup
- 2nd Half28-61Jalen Kampen makes 13-foot turnaround jump shot
- 2nd Half28-63Jaxson Whitaker makes 13-foot turnaround jump shot
- 2nd Half30-63Dylan Ducommun makes 9-foot floating jump shot
- 2nd Half30-65Jalen Kampen makes 11-foot turnaround jump shot
- 2nd Half31-65Gustav Winther makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half32-65Taj Walters makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half34-65Gianni Cobb makes driving layup
- 2nd Half34-68Jaxson Whitaker makes 23-foot three point jumper (Tamario Adley assists)
- 2nd Half35-68Gustav Winther makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half35-69Nathan Claerbaut makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half35-70Nathan Claerbaut makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half36-70Taj Walters makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half37-70Taj Walters makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half37-72Nathan Claerbaut makes 3-foot dunk
- 2nd Half37-74Phat Phat Brooks makes driving layup (Nick Mullen assists)
- 2nd Half37-76Kayden Nation makes layup
- 2nd Half39-76Gianni Cobb makes driving layup
- 2nd Half39-78Jalen Kampen makes 17-foot pullup jump shot
- 2nd Half40-78Hassan Washington makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half41-78Hassan Washington makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half43-78Gianni Cobb makes driving layup
- 2nd Half44-78Gianni Cobb makes free throw 1 of 1
- 2nd Half44-81Kayden Nation makes 24-foot three point jumper
- 2nd Half44-84Jorden Brooks makes 23-foot three point jumper
- 2nd Half45-84Gianni Cobb makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half45-86Will Ashford makes 18-foot pullup jump shot
- 2nd Half45-88Kayden Nation makes 11-foot floating jump shot
- 2nd Half46-88Jaylen Wharton makes free throw 1 of 2
Win probability
Above the line favours Central Michigan Chippewas, below favours Northern Illinois Huskies.
Venue
- McGuirk ArenaMount Pleasant, MI
- Attendance1662
- OfficialsDavid Walker, Mike O'Neill, Ben Wegenke
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