| Lineup | Northern Illinois University | PG - Randolph Poss (fresh) 4 pts. SG - George Lantz (fresh) 5 pts. 2 ast. SF - Chris Ouimet (fresh) 2 pts. PF - Laurence Fermin (fresh) 3 pts. 5 reb. 2 blk. C - Ira Mouzon (fresh) 4 pts. 2 reb. | |
| Lineup | Illinois State | PG - Robert Swett (fresh) 6 pts. 3 ast. 2 stl. SG - Chad Cox (fresh) 3 pts. 4 ast. SF - Frankie Murray (fresh) 5 pts. 2 reb. PF - James Jones (fresh) 9 pts. 6 reb. C - Clark Nicosia (fresh) 6 pts. 7 reb. | |
| 20:00 | Northern Illinois University | Chris Ouimet inbounds the ball | 28-41 |
| Game Plan | Northern Illinois University | Northern Illinois University is playing a fastbreak offense and a 2-3 zone (0) | |
| Game Plan | Illinois State | Illinois State is playing a flex offense and a fullcourt press (+2) | |
| 19:57 | Northern Illinois University | Frankie Murray is called for the reach on Randolph Poss in the backcourt - foul #1 on Frankie Murray, team foul #1 | 28-41 |
| 19:28 | Northern Illinois University | George Lantz misses the wide open jumpshot from the right wing but he's fouled by Clark Nicosia - foul #1 on Clark Nicosia, team foul #2 | 28-41 |
| 19:28 | Northern Illinois University | George Lantz makes the 1st free throw | 29-41 |
| 19:28 | Northern Illinois University | George Lantz makes the 2nd free throw | 30-41 |
| 19:10 | Illinois State | Clark Nicosia blows the layup but he's hacked by Ira Mouzon - foul #2 on Ira Mouzon, team foul #1 | 30-41 |
| 19:10 | Illinois State | Clark Nicosia makes the 1st free throw | 30-42 |
| 19:10 | Illinois State | Clark Nicosia misses the 2nd free throw | 30-42 |
| 19:10 | Illinois State | The offensive rebound goes to James Jones | 30-42 |
| 19:05 | Illinois State | Frankie Murray loses the dribble to Randolph Poss | 30-42 |
| 19:02 | Northern Illinois University | George Lantz is hacked by Chad Cox in the backcourt - foul #2 on Chad Cox, team foul #3 | 30-42 |
| 18:33 | Northern Illinois University | George Lantz makes the 3pt shot from the right corner | 33-42 |
| 18:11 | Illinois State | Laurence Fermin steals it from James Jones | 33-42 |
| 17:56 | Northern Illinois University | Laurence Fermin connects on the open shot from the right side on a nice dish by Chris Ouimet | 35-42 |
| 17:40 | Illinois State | Chad Cox clanks a 3pt attempt from the left corner | 35-42 |
| 17:38 | Northern Illinois University | Ira Mouzon gets the rebound | 35-42 |
| 17:34 | Northern Illinois University | Chris Ouimet misses the easy layup but he's hacked by James Jones - foul #3 on James Jones, team foul #4 | 35-42 |
| Subs | Northern Illinois University | Cecil Brown (PG), Mike Haakenson (SG), Gary Green (PF), Ronald Jeanbaptiste (C) Randolph Poss, George Lantz, Laurence Fermin, Ira Mouzon | |
| Subs | Illinois State | David Muirhead (PG), Corey Taylor (SG), Theron Morgan (SF), John Hicks (PF), David Tasker (C) Robert Swett, Chad Cox, Frankie Murray, James Jones, Clark Nicosia | |
| 17:34 | Northern Illinois University | Chris Ouimet makes the 1st free throw | 36-42 |
| 17:34 | Northern Illinois University | Chris Ouimet makes the 2nd free throw | 37-42 |
| 17:13 | Illinois State | Corey Taylor is whistled for traveling | 37-42 |
| Subs | Northern Illinois University | Everett Witherspoon (C) Chris Ouimet | |
| Subs | Illinois State | | |
| 16:52 | Northern Illinois University | Gary Green's pass is intercepted by Corey Taylor | 37-42 |
| 16:38 | Illinois State | John Hicks misses the 3pt attempt from the left corner | 37-42 |
| 16:37 | Illinois State | Theron Morgan grabs the offensive rebound | 37-42 |
| 16:13 | Illinois State | Theron Morgan's pass is intercepted by Gary Green | 37-42 |
| 16:09 | Northern Illinois University | Mike Haakenson throws a bad pass out of bounds in the backcourt | 37-42 |
| Subs | Northern Illinois University | Randolph Poss (PG), George Lantz (SG) Cecil Brown, Mike Haakenson | |
| Subs | Illinois State | Robert Swett (PG), Philip Emberger (SF), Clark Nicosia (C) David Muirhead, John Hicks, David Tasker | |
| 15:53 | Illinois State | Randolph Poss is called for the reach on Robert Swett - foul #3 on Randolph Poss, team foul #2 | 37-42 |
| Subs | Northern Illinois University | Thomas Mestas (SF), Laurence Fermin (PF) Gary Green, Ronald Jeanbaptiste | |
| Subs | Illinois State | Chad Cox (SG), James Jones (PF) Corey Taylor, Theron Morgan | |
| Lineup | Northern Illinois University | PG - Randolph Poss (fresh) 4 pts. 3 pf. SG - George Lantz (fresh) 10 pts. 2 ast. SF - Thomas Mestas (fresh) PF - Laurence Fermin (fresh) 5 pts. 5 reb. 2 blk. 2 stl. C - Everett Witherspoon (fresh) 3 reb. | |
| Lineup | Illinois State | PG - Robert Swett (fresh) 6 pts. 3 ast. 2 stl. SG - Chad Cox (fresh) 3 pts. 4 ast. SF - Philip Emberger (fresh) 4 pts. PF - James Jones (fresh) 9 pts. 7 reb. 3 pf. C - Clark Nicosia (fairly fresh) 7 pts. 7 reb. | |
| 15:39 | Illinois State | James Jones can't connect on a 3 from the left corner | 37-42 |
| 15:38 | Northern Illinois University | Everett Witherspoon grabs the defensive rebound | 37-42 |
| 15:32 | Northern Illinois University | Philip Emberger steals it from Thomas Mestas | 37-42 |
| 15:28 | Illinois State | Robert Swett hits the finger roll set up by Philip Emberger | 37-44 |
| 15:21 | Northern Illinois University | Laurence Fermin hits the front of the rim on the 3pt attempt from straight away | 37-44 |
| 15:19 | Northern Illinois University | The offensive rebound goes to George Lantz | 37-44 |
| 15:05 | Northern Illinois University | Everett Witherspoon knocks in the driving attempt from the baseline on a great pass from George Lantz | 39-44 |
| 14:47 | Illinois State | Chad Cox is fouled on the floor by Everett Witherspoon - foul #1 on Everett Witherspoon, team foul #3 | 39-44 |
| Subs | Northern Illinois University | Mike Haakenson (SF), Gary Green (PF), Ira Mouzon (C) Thomas Mestas, Laurence Fermin, Everett Witherspoon | |
| Subs | Illinois State | David Muirhead (PG), Corey Taylor (SG), Frankie Murray (SF), Theron Morgan (PF), David Tasker (C) Robert Swett, Chad Cox, Philip Emberger, James Jones, Clark Nicosia | |
| 14:25 | Illinois State | David Tasker loses the dribble to Randolph Poss | 39-44 |
| 14:21 | Northern Illinois University | Randolph Poss hits the finger roll | 41-44 |
| 14:01 | Illinois State | Corey Taylor makes the 3pt jumper from straight away set up by David Tasker | 41-47 |
| 13:45 | Northern Illinois University | Randolph Poss hits the front of the rim on the 3pt attempt from straight away | 41-47 |
| 13:43 | Illinois State | Theron Morgan pulls down the rebound | 41-47 |
| 13:21 | Illinois State | George Lantz steals it from Theron Morgan | 41-47 |
| 13:18 | Northern Illinois University | George Lantz slams it home | 43-47 |
| 13:09 | Illinois State | David Tasker can't connect on a floater in the lane but the foul's on Ira Mouzon - foul #3 on Ira Mouzon, team foul #4 | 43-47 |
| Subs | Northern Illinois University | Cecil Brown (PG), Thomas Mestas (SG), Chris Ouimet (SF), Laurence Fermin (PF), Ronald Jeanbaptiste (C) Randolph Poss, George Lantz, Mike Haakenson, Gary Green, Ira Mouzon | |
| Subs | Illinois State | Robert Swett (PG), Chad Cox (SG), Philip Emberger (SF), John Hicks (PF) David Muirhead, Corey Taylor, Frankie Murray, Theron Morgan | |
| 13:09 | Illinois State | David Tasker misses the 1st free throw | 43-47 |
| 13:09 | Illinois State | David Tasker makes the 2nd free throw | 43-48 |
| 12:49 | Northern Illinois University | Thomas Mestas makes the pull-up jumper from just outside the lane set up by Laurence Fermin and he's fouled by Philip Emberger - foul #1 on Philip Emberger, team foul #5 | 45-48 |
| Subs | Northern Illinois University | | |
| Subs | Illinois State | James Jones (PF) David Tasker | |
| 12:49 | Northern Illinois University | Thomas Mestas misses the free throw | 45-48 |
| 12:49 | Illinois State | James Jones pulls down the rebound | 45-48 |
| 12:39 | Illinois State | Chad Cox knocks in the 3pt shot from the left wing set up by Robert Swett | 45-51 |
| 12:37 | Northern Illinois University | Chad Cox is called for the reach on Laurence Fermin in the backcourt - foul #3 on Chad Cox, team foul #6 | 45-51 |
| 12:23 | Northern Illinois University | Philip Emberger is called for the reach on Chris Ouimet - foul #2 on Philip Emberger, team foul #7 | 45-51 |
| 12:23 | Northern Illinois University | Chris Ouimet misses the 1st free throw | 45-51 |
| 12:23 | Illinois State | James Jones snags the defensive board | 45-51 |
| 11:57 | Illinois State | Robert Swett scores on a jumper from the left block on a nice dish by Philip Emberger | 45-53 |
| 11:55 | Northern Illinois University | Thomas Mestas's pass is intercepted by Chad Cox in the backcourt | 45-53 |
| 11:49 | Illinois State | Laurence Fermin steals the ball from John Hicks | 45-53 |
| Lineup | Northern Illinois University | PG - Cecil Brown (fresh) 6 pts. 3 ast. SG - Thomas Mestas (fresh) 2 pts. SF - Chris Ouimet (fresh) 4 pts. PF - Laurence Fermin (fairly fresh) 5 pts. 5 reb. 2 blk. 3 stl. C - Ronald Jeanbaptiste (fresh) 2 pts. | |
| Lineup | Illinois State | PG - Robert Swett (fairly fresh) 10 pts. 4 ast. 2 stl. SG - Chad Cox (fairly fresh) 6 pts. 4 ast. 3 pf. SF - Philip Emberger (fresh) 4 pts. PF - James Jones (fairly fresh) 9 pts. 9 reb. 3 pf. C - John Hicks (fairly fresh) | |
| 11:23 | Northern Illinois University | Laurence Fermin is by himself and knocks in the fadeaway from just outside the lane on a nice dish by Thomas Mestas | 47-53 |
| 11:06 | Illinois State | Chad Cox misses badly on a jumper from just outside the lane but he's fouled by Thomas Mestas - foul #1 on Thomas Mestas, team foul #5 | 47-53 |
| Subs | Northern Illinois University | Randolph Poss (PG), George Lantz (SG), Gary Green (SF), Everett Witherspoon (PF), Ira Mouzon (C) Cecil Brown, Thomas Mestas, Chris Ouimet, Laurence Fermin, Ronald Jeanbaptiste | |
| Subs | Illinois State | David Muirhead (PG), Theron Morgan (SF), Clark Nicosia (C) Robert Swett, Philip Emberger, John Hicks | |
| 11:06 | Illinois State | Chad Cox makes the 1st free throw | 47-54 |
| 11:06 | Illinois State | Chad Cox makes the 2nd free throw | 47-55 |
| 10:57 | Northern Illinois University | George Lantz hits a wide open shot from the left wing set up by Randolph Poss | 49-55 |
| 10:40 | Illinois State | Chad Cox clanks a 3pt shot from straight away | 49-55 |
| 10:38 | Northern Illinois University | The rebound goes to Gary Green | 49-55 |
| 10:34 | Northern Illinois University | Randolph Poss is fouled in the backcourt by James Jones - foul #4 on James Jones, team foul #8 | 49-55 |
| Subs | Northern Illinois University | Mike Haakenson (SF) Everett Witherspoon | |
| Subs | Illinois State | Corey Taylor (SG), Frankie Murray (SF) Chad Cox, James Jones | |
| 10:34 | Northern Illinois University | Randolph Poss makes the 1st free throw | 50-55 |
| 10:34 | Northern Illinois University | Randolph Poss makes the 2nd free throw | 51-55 |
| 10:13 | Illinois State | David Muirhead misses the 3pt shot from the left wing | 51-55 |
| 10:12 | Northern Illinois University | Gary Green grabs the defensive rebound | 51-55 |
| 10:09 | Northern Illinois University | Corey Taylor is called for the reach on George Lantz in the backcourt - foul #1 on Corey Taylor, team foul #9 | 51-55 |
| Subs | Northern Illinois University | | |
| Subs | Illinois State | David Tasker (PF) Corey Taylor | |
| 10:09 | Northern Illinois University | George Lantz makes the 1st free throw | 52-55 |
| 10:09 | Northern Illinois University | George Lantz makes the 2nd free throw | 53-55 |
| 09:54 | Illinois State | George Lantz steals the ball from David Muirhead | 53-55 |
| 09:51 | Northern Illinois University | George Lantz lays it up and in | 55-55 |
| 09:38 | Illinois State | Clark Nicosia comes up short on the 3pt attempt from the right wing | 55-55 |
| 09:37 | Northern Illinois University | Mike Haakenson grabs the defensive rebound | 55-55 |
| 09:30 | Northern Illinois University | Mike Haakenson travels with the ball | 55-55 |
| Subs | Northern Illinois University | Chris Ouimet (SF), Laurence Fermin (PF), Everett Witherspoon (C) Mike Haakenson, Gary Green, Ira Mouzon | |
| Subs | Illinois State | Robert Swett (PG), Corey Taylor (SG), Philip Emberger (SF) David Muirhead, Theron Morgan, Frankie Murray | |
| 09:13 | Illinois State | David Tasker hits a runner from the left block | 55-57 |
| 09:07 | Northern Illinois University | Chris Ouimet makes the pull-up jumper from the right wing on a great pass from Randolph Poss | 57-57 |
| 08:51 | Illinois State | David Tasker connects on the shot from the left block set up by Philip Emberger | 57-59 |
| 08:35 | Northern Illinois University | Everett Witherspoon banks in the wide open layup set up by Randolph Poss | 59-59 |
| 08:12 | Illinois State | Corey Taylor can't connect on a 3pt jumper from the left corner | 59-59 |
| 08:10 | Northern Illinois University | Everett Witherspoon grabs the board | 59-59 |
| 08:06 | Northern Illinois University | Randolph Poss knocks in the driving attempt from close range on a great pass from George Lantz | 61-59 |
| 07:44 | Illinois State | Corey Taylor clanks a pull-up jumper from the left side | 61-59 |
| 07:42 | Northern Illinois University | Everett Witherspoon snags the defensive board | 61-59 |
| Lineup | Northern Illinois University | PG - Randolph Poss (fairly fresh) 10 pts. 3 ast. 2 stl. 3 pf. SG - George Lantz (fairly fresh) 18 pts. 4 ast. 2 stl. SF - Chris Ouimet (fairly fresh) 6 pts. PF - Laurence Fermin (fairly fresh) 7 pts. 5 reb. 2 blk. 3 stl. C - Everett Witherspoon (fairly fresh) 4 pts. 6 reb. | |
| Lineup | Illinois State | PG - Robert Swett (fairly fresh) 10 pts. 4 ast. 2 stl. SG - Corey Taylor (fairly fresh) 5 pts. 1 ast. 3 stl. SF - Philip Emberger (fairly fresh) 4 pts. PF - David Tasker (fairly fresh) 5 pts. C - Clark Nicosia (fairly fresh) 7 pts. 7 reb. | |
| 07:37 | Northern Illinois University | Randolph Poss hits the front of the rim on the pull-up jumper from the free throw line | 61-59 |
| 07:36 | Illinois State | David Tasker snags the defensive board | 61-59 |
| 07:30 | Illinois State | Clark Nicosia lays it up and in on a great pass from Philip Emberger | 61-61 |
| 07:12 | Northern Illinois University | Randolph Poss drills a floater from just outside the lane | 63-61 |
| 06:54 | Illinois State | Robert Swett's fadeaway is rejected by Laurence Fermin | 63-61 |
| 06:53 | Northern Illinois University | The rebound goes to Randolph Poss | 63-61 |
| 06:47 | Northern Illinois University | Chris Ouimet misses the lay-in | 63-61 |
| 06:46 | Illinois State | Philip Emberger gets the rebound | 63-61 |
| 06:29 | Illinois State | Chris Ouimet steals it from Philip Emberger | 63-61 |
| 06:17 | Northern Illinois University | Chris Ouimet misses short on a pull-up jumper from the right side but the foul's on Philip Emberger - foul #3 on Philip Emberger, team foul #10 | 63-61 |
| Subs | Northern Illinois University | Cecil Brown (PG), Mike Haakenson (SG), Gary Green (PF), Ira Mouzon (C) Randolph Poss, George Lantz, Laurence Fermin, Everett Witherspoon | |
| Subs | Illinois State | David Muirhead (PG), Theron Morgan (SG), Frankie Murray (SF), James Jones (PF), John Hicks (C) Robert Swett, Corey Taylor, Philip Emberger, David Tasker, Clark Nicosia | |
| 06:17 | Northern Illinois University | Chris Ouimet makes the 1st free throw | 64-61 |
| 06:17 | Northern Illinois University | Chris Ouimet makes the 2nd free throw | 65-61 |
| 05:48 | Illinois State | John Hicks misses short on a 3pt shot from the right corner | 65-61 |
| 05:46 | Illinois State | Frankie Murray grabs the offensive rebound | 65-61 |
| 05:34 | Illinois State | James Jones buries a 3pt jumper from the right corner | 65-64 |
| 05:21 | Northern Illinois University | Ira Mouzon misses long on an open 3pt attempt from straight away | 65-64 |
| 05:20 | Illinois State | James Jones grabs the defensive rebound | 65-64 |
| 05:02 | Illinois State | Frankie Murray is fouled on the floor by Mike Haakenson - foul #1 on Mike Haakenson, team foul #6 | 65-64 |
| Subs | Northern Illinois University | Ronald Jeanbaptiste (PF) Chris Ouimet | |
| Subs | Illinois State | Chad Cox (SG) Frankie Murray | |
| 04:48 | Illinois State | Theron Morgan misses the pull-up jumper from the left wing but the foul's on Gary Green - foul #1 on Gary Green, team foul #7 | 65-64 |
| Subs | Northern Illinois University | Randolph Poss (PG), Thomas Mestas (SF) Mike Haakenson, Ira Mouzon | |
| Subs | Illinois State | Robert Swett (PG) David Muirhead | |
| 04:48 | Illinois State | Theron Morgan makes the 1st free throw | 65-65 |
| 04:48 | Illinois State | Theron Morgan makes the 2nd free throw | 65-66 |
| 04:31 | Northern Illinois University | John Hicks steals the ball from Ronald Jeanbaptiste | 65-66 |
| 04:24 | Illinois State | Robert Swett loses the ball out of bounds in the backcourt | 65-66 |
| Subs | Northern Illinois University | Laurence Fermin (PF) Gary Green | |
| Subs | Illinois State | Frankie Murray (SF), Clark Nicosia (C) Theron Morgan, John Hicks | |
| 04:04 | Northern Illinois University | Clark Nicosia denies the turnaround by Thomas Mestas | 65-66 |
| 04:03 | Northern Illinois University | Randolph Poss gets the offensive rebound | 65-66 |
| 03:50 | Northern Illinois University | Chad Cox steals it from Thomas Mestas | 65-66 |
| 03:45 | Illinois State | Chad Cox banks in the layup | 65-68 |
| Lineup | Northern Illinois University | PG - Randolph Poss (fairly fresh) 12 pts. 3 ast. 2 stl. 3 pf. SG - Cecil Brown (fairly fresh) 6 pts. 3 ast. SF - Thomas Mestas (fresh) 2 pts. 1 ast. PF - Laurence Fermin (fairly fresh) 7 pts. 5 reb. 3 blk. 3 stl. C - Ronald Jeanbaptiste (fresh) 2 pts. | |
| Lineup | Illinois State | PG - Robert Swett (fairly fresh) 10 pts. 4 ast. 2 stl. SG - Chad Cox (fairly fresh) 10 pts. 4 ast. 2 stl. 3 pf. SF - Frankie Murray (fairly fresh) 5 pts. 3 reb. PF - James Jones (fairly fresh) 12 pts. 10 reb. 4 pf. C - Clark Nicosia (tiring) 9 pts. 7 reb. | |
| 03:33 | Northern Illinois University | Ronald Jeanbaptiste is open and scores on a fadeaway jumper from the left wing on a nice dish by Randolph Poss | 67-68 |
| 03:18 | Illinois State | James Jones misses short on a 3pt attempt from the right corner | 67-68 |
| 03:17 | Northern Illinois University | Laurence Fermin pulls down the rebound | 67-68 |
| 03:15 | Northern Illinois University | James Jones is called for the reach on Cecil Brown in the backcourt - foul #5 on James Jones, team foul #11 | 67-68 |
| Subs | Northern Illinois University | George Lantz (SG), Mike Haakenson (SF), Ira Mouzon (C) Randolph Poss, Thomas Mestas, Ronald Jeanbaptiste | |
| Subs | Illinois State | David Muirhead (PG), Corey Taylor (SG), John Hicks (PF) Robert Swett, Chad Cox, James Jones | |
| 03:15 | Northern Illinois University | Cecil Brown makes the 1st free throw | 68-68 |
| 03:15 | Northern Illinois University | Cecil Brown makes the 2nd free throw | 69-68 |
| 02:59 | Illinois State | Frankie Murray knocks in the jumpshot from the left wing on a nice dish by Clark Nicosia | 69-70 |
| 02:55 | Northern Illinois University | Mike Haakenson is by himself and knocks in the 3pt attempt from the left wing on a great pass from Cecil Brown | 72-70 |
| 02:48 | Illinois State | Clark Nicosia can't connect on a fadeaway from the right wing but he's fouled by Ira Mouzon - foul #4 on Ira Mouzon, team foul #8 | 72-70 |
| Subs | Northern Illinois University | Gary Green (SF), Everett Witherspoon (PF) Cecil Brown, Laurence Fermin | |
| Subs | Illinois State | Philip Emberger (SF), Theron Morgan (PF) Frankie Murray, John Hicks | |
| 02:48 | Illinois State | Clark Nicosia makes the 1st free throw | 72-71 |
| 02:48 | Illinois State | Clark Nicosia misses the 2nd free throw | 72-71 |
| 02:48 | Northern Illinois University | Everett Witherspoon snags the defensive board | 72-71 |
| 02:43 | Northern Illinois University | Philip Emberger steals it from George Lantz | 72-71 |
| 02:39 | Illinois State | Illinois State calls a full timeout (2 :30 3 full remaining) | 72-71 |
| Subs | Northern Illinois University | Randolph Poss (PG), Ronald Jeanbaptiste (PF) Mike Haakenson, Everett Witherspoon | |
| Subs | Illinois State | Chad Cox (SG) Corey Taylor | |
| 02:28 | Illinois State | Philip Emberger misses the 3 pointer from the right corner | 72-71 |
| 02:26 | Northern Illinois University | The rebound goes to Ronald Jeanbaptiste | 72-71 |
| 02:26 | Northern Illinois University | Northern Illinois University calls a full timeout (2 :30 3 full remaining) | 72-71 |
| Subs | Northern Illinois University | | |
| Subs | Illinois State | Robert Swett (PG), David Tasker (C) David Muirhead, Clark Nicosia | |
| 02:10 | Northern Illinois University | Randolph Poss is fouled on the floor by David Tasker - foul #3 on David Tasker, team foul #12 | 72-71 |
| Subs | Northern Illinois University | | |
| Subs | Illinois State | Frankie Murray (SF), John Hicks (PF) Philip Emberger, Theron Morgan | |
| 02:10 | Northern Illinois University | Randolph Poss makes the 1st free throw | 73-71 |
| 02:10 | Northern Illinois University | Randolph Poss makes the 2nd free throw | 74-71 |
| 01:45 | Illinois State | Chad Cox is hacked by George Lantz - foul #1 on George Lantz, team foul #9 | 74-71 |
| Subs | Northern Illinois University | Chris Ouimet (SF), Laurence Fermin (PF) Gary Green, Ronald Jeanbaptiste | |
| Subs | Illinois State | Clark Nicosia (C) David Tasker | |
| 01:45 | Illinois State | Chad Cox misses the 1st free throw | 74-71 |
| 01:45 | Northern Illinois University | Ira Mouzon snags the defensive board | 74-71 |
| 01:33 | Northern Illinois University | Chris Ouimet misses badly on a 3pt attempt from the right wing | 74-71 |
| 01:32 | Illinois State | John Hicks grabs the defensive rebound | 74-71 |
| 01:12 | Illinois State | Chad Cox is whistled for a carry | 74-71 |
| 00:53 | Northern Illinois University | Chris Ouimet can't connect on a jumper from the free throw line | 74-71 |
| 00:51 | Illinois State | Robert Swett grabs the board | 74-71 |
| 00:25 | Illinois State | Clark Nicosia throws a bad pass out of bounds | 74-71 |
| Subs | Northern Illinois University | Cecil Brown (PG) Randolph Poss | |
| Subs | Illinois State | | |
| Game Plan | Northern Illinois University | Northern Illinois University is playing a spread offense (hold ball) and a 2-3 zone (0) | |
| Game Plan | Illinois State | Illinois State is playing a flex offense and intentionally fouling (+2) | |
| 00:24 | Northern Illinois University | Cecil Brown is fouled in the backcourt by Robert Swett - foul #3 on Robert Swett, team foul #13 | 74-71 |
| 00:24 | Northern Illinois University | Cecil Brown makes the 1st free throw | 75-71 |
| 00:24 | Northern Illinois University | Cecil Brown makes the 2nd free throw | 76-71 |
| Game Plan | Northern Illinois University | Northern Illinois University is playing a spread offense (hold ball) and a 2-3 zone (0) | |
| Game Plan | Illinois State | Illinois State is playing a quick shot offense (quick shot) and intentionally fouling (+2) | |
| 00:18 | Illinois State | Chad Cox connects on the 3 from the right wing on a great pass from Frankie Murray | 76-74 |
| 00:16 | Northern Illinois University | Ira Mouzon is fouled in the backcourt by Robert Swett - foul #4 on Robert Swett, team foul #14 | 76-74 |
| Subs | Northern Illinois University | Randolph Poss (PG) Cecil Brown | |
| Subs | Illinois State | | |
| 00:16 | Northern Illinois University | Ira Mouzon makes the 1st free throw | 77-74 |
| 00:16 | Northern Illinois University | Ira Mouzon misses the 2nd free throw | 77-74 |
| 00:16 | Illinois State | John Hicks gets the rebound | 77-74 |
| Game Plan | Northern Illinois University | Northern Illinois University is playing a spread offense (hold ball) and a 2-3 zone (0) | |
| Game Plan | Illinois State | Illinois State is playing a flex offense and intentionally fouling (+2) | |
| 00:03 | Illinois State | Robert Swett makes the 3pt attempt from the left corner set up by Frankie Murray | 77-77 |
| 00:03 | Northern Illinois University | Northern Illinois University calls a :30 timeout (1 :30 3 full remaining) | 77-77 |
| Game Plan | Northern Illinois University | Northern Illinois University is playing a quick shot offense (quick shot) and a 2-3 zone (0) | |
| Game Plan | Illinois State | Illinois State is playing a flex offense and a fullcourt press (+2) | |
| 00:00 | Northern Illinois University | Chris Ouimet comes up short on the halfcourt shot | 77-77 |
| Lineup | Northern Illinois University | PG - Randolph Poss (fresh) 14 pts. 4 ast. 2 stl. 3 pf. SG - George Lantz (fresh) 18 pts. 4 ast. 2 stl. SF - Chris Ouimet (fresh) 8 pts. PF - Laurence Fermin (fresh) 7 pts. 6 reb. 3 blk. 3 stl. C - Ira Mouzon (fresh) 5 pts. 4 reb. 4 pf. | |
| Lineup | Illinois State | PG - Robert Swett (fresh) 13 pts. 4 ast. 2 stl. 4 pf. SG - Chad Cox (fresh) 13 pts. 4 ast. 2 stl. 3 pf. SF - Frankie Murray (fresh) 7 pts. 3 reb. PF - John Hicks (fairly fresh) 3 reb. C - Clark Nicosia (fairly fresh) 10 pts. 7 reb. | |
| 05:00 | Northern Illinois University | Ira Mouzon wins the tip | 77-77 |
| Game Plan | Northern Illinois University | Northern Illinois University is playing a fastbreak offense and a 2-3 zone (0) | |
| Game Plan | Illinois State | Illinois State is playing a flex offense and a fullcourt press (+2) | |
| 04:31 | Northern Illinois University | George Lantz buries a 3pt shot from the left wing on a great pass from Randolph Poss | 80-77 |
| 04:09 | Illinois State | Clark Nicosia comes up short on the 3 pointer from straight away | 80-77 |
| 04:08 | Northern Illinois University | Randolph Poss pulls down the rebound | 80-77 |
| 04:06 | Northern Illinois University | Robert Swett is called for the reach on Randolph Poss in the backcourt - foul #5 on Robert Swett, team foul #15 | 80-77 |
| Subs | Northern Illinois University | | |
| Subs | Illinois State | David Muirhead (PG), Corey Taylor (SG), Philip Emberger (SF), Theron Morgan (PF), David Tasker (C) Robert Swett, Chad Cox, Frankie Murray, John Hicks, Clark Nicosia | |
| 04:06 | Northern Illinois University | Randolph Poss makes the 1st free throw | 81-77 |
| 04:06 | Northern Illinois University | Randolph Poss makes the 2nd free throw | 82-77 |
| 03:46 | Illinois State | Ira Mouzon swats the short shot by Theron Morgan | 82-77 |
| 03:45 | Illinois State | Theron Morgan pulls down the offensive rebound | 82-77 |
| 03:31 | Illinois State | Theron Morgan can't connect on a jumper from just outside the lane | 82-77 |
| 03:29 | Northern Illinois University | The rebound goes to Ira Mouzon | 82-77 |
| 03:25 | Northern Illinois University | Randolph Poss knocks in the floater from the right block on a great pass from Chris Ouimet | 84-77 |
| 03:01 | Illinois State | Theron Morgan makes the jumpshot from the right side on a great pass from Philip Emberger | 84-79 |
| 02:43 | Northern Illinois University | Randolph Poss is open but comes up short on the jumper from the baseline but the foul's on David Muirhead - foul #2 on David Muirhead, team foul #16 | 84-79 |
| Subs | Northern Illinois University | Cecil Brown (SG), Mike Haakenson (SF), Gary Green (PF), Ronald Jeanbaptiste (C) George Lantz, Chris Ouimet, Laurence Fermin, Ira Mouzon | |
| Subs | Illinois State | Chad Cox (SG), Clark Nicosia (C) David Muirhead, David Tasker | |
| 02:43 | Northern Illinois University | Randolph Poss makes the 1st free throw | 85-79 |
| 02:43 | Northern Illinois University | Randolph Poss makes the 2nd free throw | 86-79 |
| 02:41 | Illinois State | Illinois State calls a full timeout (2 :30 3 full remaining) | 86-79 |
| Subs | Northern Illinois University | George Lantz (SG) Cecil Brown | |
| Subs | Illinois State | David Muirhead (PG), Frankie Murray (SF) Corey Taylor, Philip Emberger | |
| 02:25 | Illinois State | Frankie Murray clanks a jumper from the left side | 86-79 |
| 02:23 | Illinois State | Theron Morgan tips it back up and in | 86-81 |
| 02:23 | Northern Illinois University | Northern Illinois University calls a full timeout (1 :30 3 full remaining) | 86-81 |
| Subs | Northern Illinois University | Chris Ouimet (SF), Laurence Fermin (PF), Ira Mouzon (C) Mike Haakenson, Gary Green, Ronald Jeanbaptiste | |
| Subs | Illinois State | | |
| 02:21 | Northern Illinois University | Randolph Poss loses the dribble to Chad Cox in the backcourt | 86-81 |
| 02:20 | Illinois State | Chad Cox jams it | 86-83 |
| 02:18 | Northern Illinois University | George Lantz is fouled in the backcourt by David Muirhead - foul #3 on David Muirhead, team foul #17 | 86-83 |
| Subs | Northern Illinois University | | |
| Subs | Illinois State | John Hicks (PF) Theron Morgan | |
| 02:18 | Northern Illinois University | George Lantz makes the 1st free throw | 87-83 |
| 02:18 | Northern Illinois University | George Lantz makes the 2nd free throw | 88-83 |
| 02:05 | Illinois State | Frankie Murray misses badly on a fadeaway from the baseline but he's hacked by Laurence Fermin - foul #1 on Laurence Fermin, team foul #10 | 88-83 |
| 02:05 | Illinois State | Frankie Murray misses the 1st free throw | 88-83 |
| 02:05 | Illinois State | Frankie Murray makes the 2nd free throw | 88-84 |
| 01:53 | Northern Illinois University | Randolph Poss clanks a 3pt shot from the right corner | 88-84 |
| 01:52 | Illinois State | Clark Nicosia grabs the defensive rebound | 88-84 |
| 01:52 | Illinois State | Illinois State calls a full timeout (2 :30 2 full remaining) | 88-84 |
| 01:39 | Illinois State | Frankie Murray misses the 3pt attempt from the left wing | 88-84 |
| 01:37 | Illinois State | David Muirhead tips it home | 88-86 |
| 01:35 | Northern Illinois University | David Muirhead is called for the reach on Randolph Poss in the backcourt - foul #4 on David Muirhead, team foul #18 | 88-86 |
| 01:35 | Northern Illinois University | Randolph Poss makes the 1st free throw | 89-86 |
| 01:35 | Northern Illinois University | Randolph Poss makes the 2nd free throw | 90-86 |
| 01:10 | Illinois State | Chad Cox clanks a 3 pointer from the right wing | 90-86 |
| 01:09 | Illinois State | Frankie Murray tips it back up and in | 90-88 |
| 01:04 | Northern Illinois University | George Lantz misses long on a 3pt shot from the right wing | 90-88 |
| 01:02 | Northern Illinois University | Laurence Fermin tips it in | 92-88 |
| 01:02 | Illinois State | Illinois State calls a full timeout (2 :30 1 full remaining) | 92-88 |
| Lineup | Northern Illinois University | PG - Randolph Poss (fresh) 22 pts. 5 ast. 2 stl. 3 pf. SG - George Lantz (fresh) 23 pts. 4 ast. 2 stl. SF - Chris Ouimet (fresh) 8 pts. PF - Laurence Fermin (fresh) 9 pts. 7 reb. 3 blk. 3 stl. C - Ira Mouzon (fresh) 5 pts. 5 reb. 4 pf. | |
| Lineup | Illinois State | PG - David Muirhead (fresh) 8 pts. 2 stl. 4 pf. SG - Chad Cox (fresh) 15 pts. 4 ast. 3 stl. 3 pf. SF - Frankie Murray (fresh) 10 pts. 4 reb. PF - John Hicks (fresh) 3 reb. C - Clark Nicosia (fresh) 10 pts. 8 reb. | |
| Game Plan | Northern Illinois University | Northern Illinois University is playing a fastbreak offense and a 2-3 zone (0) | |
| Game Plan | Illinois State | Illinois State is playing a flex offense (uptempo) and a fullcourt press (+2) | |
| 00:44 | Illinois State | David Muirhead can't connect on a 3pt jumper from the right corner | 92-88 |
| 00:42 | Illinois State | Frankie Murray tips it in | 92-90 |
| Game Plan | Northern Illinois University | Northern Illinois University is playing a spread offense (hold ball) and a 2-3 zone (0) | |
| Game Plan | Illinois State | Illinois State is playing a flex offense (uptempo) and a fullcourt press (+2) | |
| 00:21 | Northern Illinois University | George Lantz comes up short on the pull-up jumper from the left side | 92-90 |
| 00:19 | Northern Illinois University | Ira Mouzon tips it in | 94-90 |
| 00:19 | Illinois State | Illinois State calls a full timeout (2 :30 remaining) | 94-90 |
| Game Plan | Northern Illinois University | Northern Illinois University is playing a spread offense (hold ball) and a 2-3 zone (0) | |
| Game Plan | Illinois State | Illinois State is playing a quick shot offense (quick shot) and a fullcourt press (+2) | |
| 00:12 | Illinois State | Chad Cox clanks a 3 from the left wing | 94-90 |
| 00:10 | Northern Illinois University | Chris Ouimet grabs the board | 94-90 |
| Game Plan | Northern Illinois University | Northern Illinois University is playing a spread offense (hold ball) and a 2-3 zone (0) | |
| Game Plan | Illinois State | Illinois State is playing a quick shot offense (quick shot) and intentionally fouling (+2) | |
| 00:07 | Northern Illinois University | Chris Ouimet is hacked by David Muirhead in the backcourt - foul #5 on David Muirhead, team foul #19 | 94-90 |
| Subs | Northern Illinois University | Cecil Brown (PG) Randolph Poss | |
| Subs | Illinois State | Corey Taylor (PG) David Muirhead | |
| 00:07 | Northern Illinois University | Chris Ouimet makes the 1st free throw | 95-90 |
| 00:07 | Northern Illinois University | Chris Ouimet makes the 2nd free throw | 96-90 |
| 00:05 | Illinois State | Illinois State calls a :30 timeout (1 :30 remaining) | 96-90 |
| Subs | Northern Illinois University | Randolph Poss (PG) Cecil Brown | |
| Subs | Illinois State | | |
| 00:02 | Illinois State | Corey Taylor knocks in the 3pt attempt from the left wing | 96-93 |
| 00:00 | Northern Illinois University | Randolph Poss runs out the clock | 96-93 |