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NIU falls short in overtime to Bowling Green

February 3, 2011
Antone Christian

Redshirt freshman guard Antone Christian's career-high 15 points included a game-tying 3-point FG late in regulation.

The Northern Illinois men’s basketball team dropped a 73-70 overtime decision to Bowling Green Wednesday night at the NIU Convocation Center. The Huskies forced the extra session after trailing by eight with two minutes left in regulation but came up short in the extra five minutes. Senior guard Xavier Silas led NIU with 23 points and redshirt freshman guard Antone Christian scored 15 off the bench.

“Give credit to Bowling Green, they understand how to play and are a disciplined team,” said NIU head coach Ricardo Patton. “Anytime you play against a zone you have to make shots and we just didn’t make enough plays.”

Freshman forward Nate Rucker had his second career double-double with 10 points and 10 rebounds but fouled out a minute into the overtime.

Bowling Green shot 41.3 percent (26-of-63) from the field in the contest while holding NIU to 36.5 percent (23-of-63) shooting.

For more on this game and additional information on Huskie men’s basketball logon to www.NIUHuskies.com.