| Lineup | Northern Illinois University | PG - Robert Forman (fresh) 15 pts. SG - Earl Short (fresh) 4 pts. SF - Dwayne Williams (fresh) PF - Dominic Russo (fresh) 2 pts. 2 reb. C - Joseph Carini (fresh) 3 reb. | |
| Lineup | Western Illinois | PG - Mark Hamner (fresh) 2 pts. SG - Phillip Schutz (fresh) 3 pts. 1 ast. SF - Daniel Borchardt (fresh) 3 pts. PF - Nicholas Smith (fresh) 7 pts. 2 reb. C - Glen Tirado (fresh) 3 reb. | |
| 20:00 | Northern Illinois University | Dwayne Williams inbounds the ball | 26-29 |
| Game Plan | Northern Illinois University | Northern Illinois University is playing a fastbreak offense and a 2-3 zone (+2) | |
| Game Plan | Western Illinois | Western Illinois is playing a triangle offense and a man to man (0) | |
| 19:43 | Northern Illinois University | Joseph Carini misses badly on a turnaround from the right block but he's hacked by Glen Tirado - foul #2 on Glen Tirado, team foul #1 | 26-29 |
| 19:43 | Northern Illinois University | Joseph Carini makes the 1st free throw | 27-29 |
| 19:43 | Northern Illinois University | Joseph Carini makes the 2nd free throw | 28-29 |
| 19:14 | Western Illinois | Nicholas Smith misses the 3pt shot from the right corner | 28-29 |
| 19:12 | Northern Illinois University | Joseph Carini grabs the defensive rebound | 28-29 |
| 19:07 | Northern Illinois University | Robert Forman connects on the turnaround from the right block set up by Earl Short | 30-29 |
| 18:50 | Western Illinois | Mark Hamner makes the 3 pointer from straight away on a great pass from Daniel Borchardt | 30-32 |
| 18:33 | Northern Illinois University | Phillip Schutz is called for the reach on Earl Short - foul #3 on Phillip Schutz, team foul #2 | 30-32 |
| Subs | Northern Illinois University | | |
| Subs | Western Illinois | Robert Reed (SG) Phillip Schutz | |
| 18:16 | Northern Illinois University | Robert Forman scores on a fadeaway jumper from just outside the lane on a nice dish by Dwayne Williams | 32-32 |
| 17:47 | Western Illinois | Robert Reed hits the front of the rim on the runner in the paint | 32-32 |
| 17:46 | Northern Illinois University | Joseph Carini gets the rebound | 32-32 |
| 17:41 | Northern Illinois University | Earl Short connects on the 3 from the right corner on a great pass from Dominic Russo | 35-32 |
| 17:20 | Western Illinois | Robert Reed connects on the shot from close range on a great pass from Daniel Borchardt | 35-34 |
| 17:04 | Northern Illinois University | Dwayne Williams hits a floater from the right side | 37-34 |
| 16:50 | Western Illinois | Robert Reed dunks the ball on a nice dish by Glen Tirado | 37-36 |
| 16:40 | Northern Illinois University | Robert Forman is fouled on the floor by Mark Hamner - foul #2 on Mark Hamner, team foul #3 | 37-36 |
| Subs | Northern Illinois University | Richard Johnson (PG), Ricky Spears (SG), Victor Charles (SF), Timothy Poythress (PF), Roy Kaler (C) Robert Forman, Earl Short, Dwayne Williams, Dominic Russo, Joseph Carini | |
| Subs | Western Illinois | Lyle Davey (PG), Daniel Blount (SF), Russell Wilson (PF), Darryl Shields (C) Mark Hamner, Daniel Borchardt, Nicholas Smith, Glen Tirado | |
| 16:18 | Northern Illinois University | Ricky Spears connects on the 3 pointer from the left wing on a nice dish by Timothy Poythress | 40-36 |
| 15:56 | Western Illinois | Daniel Blount knocks in the shot from the right side on a great pass from Robert Reed | 40-38 |
| Lineup | Northern Illinois University | PG - Richard Johnson (fresh) 2 pts. 3 ast. SG - Ricky Spears (fresh) 3 pts. SF - Victor Charles (fresh) PF - Timothy Poythress (fresh) 2 reb. C - Roy Kaler (fresh) 3 reb. | |
| Lineup | Western Illinois | PG - Lyle Davey (fresh) 2 pts. SG - Robert Reed (fresh) 8 pts. SF - Daniel Blount (fresh) 8 pts. 1 ast. PF - Russell Wilson (fresh) 4 reb. C - Darryl Shields (fresh) 2 pts. 2 reb. | |
| 15:50 | Northern Illinois University | Roy Kaler connects on the runner from the baseline on a nice dish by Richard Johnson | 42-38 |
| 15:40 | Western Illinois | Lyle Davey throws a bad pass out of bounds | 42-38 |
| Subs | Northern Illinois University | Earl Short (SG) Ricky Spears | |
| Subs | Western Illinois | Phillip Schutz (SG) Robert Reed | |
| 15:27 | Northern Illinois University | Earl Short is whistled for traveling | 42-38 |
| Subs | Northern Illinois University | Robert Forman (PG) Richard Johnson | |
| Subs | Western Illinois | Mark Hamner (PG), Daniel Borchardt (SF) Lyle Davey, Daniel Blount | |
| 15:08 | Western Illinois | Daniel Borchardt misses badly on a 3 from the left wing | 42-38 |
| 15:06 | Western Illinois | Mark Hamner grabs the offensive board | 42-38 |
| 14:51 | Western Illinois | Phillip Schutz clanks a fadeaway from the left wing | 42-38 |
| 14:49 | Western Illinois | The offensive rebound goes to Phillip Schutz | 42-38 |
| 14:28 | Western Illinois | Darryl Shields clanks a 3pt attempt from the left wing | 42-38 |
| 14:27 | Northern Illinois University | Timothy Poythress snags the defensive board | 42-38 |
| 14:22 | Northern Illinois University | Earl Short misses long on a 3pt attempt from straight away | 42-38 |
| 14:21 | Western Illinois | Russell Wilson snags the defensive board | 42-38 |
| 14:05 | Western Illinois | Daniel Borchardt buries a pull-up jumper from the left side on a nice dish by Phillip Schutz | 42-40 |
| 13:45 | Northern Illinois University | Victor Charles makes the floater from the right wing set up by Robert Forman | 44-40 |
| 13:33 | Western Illinois | Victor Charles is called for the reach on Mark Hamner - foul #3 on Victor Charles, team foul #1 | 44-40 |
| Subs | Northern Illinois University | Richard Johnson (PG), Ricky Spears (SG), Dwayne Williams (SF), Dominic Russo (PF), Joseph Carini (C) Robert Forman, Earl Short, Victor Charles, Timothy Poythress, Roy Kaler | |
| Subs | Western Illinois | Daniel Blount (PG), Robert Reed (SF), Nicholas Smith (PF), Glen Tirado (C) Mark Hamner, Daniel Borchardt, Russell Wilson, Darryl Shields | |
| 13:23 | Western Illinois | Phillip Schutz misses long on a driving attempt from the baseline | 44-40 |
| 13:21 | Western Illinois | Glen Tirado grabs the offensive board | 44-40 |
| 13:05 | Western Illinois | Nicholas Smith buries a turnaround in the lane | 44-42 |
| 12:52 | Northern Illinois University | Dominic Russo is called for traveling | 44-42 |
| Subs | Northern Illinois University | | |
| Subs | Western Illinois | Lyle Davey (PG) Phillip Schutz | |
| 12:31 | Western Illinois | Nicholas Smith buries a 3pt attempt from the left wing set up by Lyle Davey | 44-45 |
| 12:27 | Northern Illinois University | Dwayne Williams clanks a 3pt attempt from the right wing | 44-45 |
| 12:25 | Western Illinois | Lyle Davey snags the defensive board | 44-45 |
| 12:19 | Western Illinois | Ricky Spears is called for the reach on Robert Reed - foul #1 on Ricky Spears, team foul #2 | 44-45 |
| Subs | Northern Illinois University | Robert Forman (PG), Earl Short (SG) Richard Johnson, Ricky Spears | |
| Subs | Western Illinois | Mark Hamner (PG), Daniel Borchardt (SF) Lyle Davey, Daniel Blount | |
| 12:00 | Western Illinois | Mark Hamner is hacked by Dominic Russo - foul #2 on Dominic Russo, team foul #3 | 44-45 |
| 11:46 | Western Illinois | Nicholas Smith can't connect on a shot from the baseline | 44-45 |
| 11:44 | Northern Illinois University | Dwayne Williams grabs the defensive rebound | 44-45 |
| Lineup | Northern Illinois University | PG - Robert Forman (fresh) 19 pts. 1 ast. SG - Earl Short (fresh) 7 pts. 1 ast. SF - Dwayne Williams (fresh) 2 pts. PF - Dominic Russo (fresh) 2 pts. 2 reb. C - Joseph Carini (fresh) 2 pts. 5 reb. | |
| Lineup | Western Illinois | PG - Mark Hamner (fresh) 5 pts. SG - Robert Reed (fresh) 8 pts. SF - Daniel Borchardt (fresh) 5 pts. PF - Nicholas Smith (fresh) 12 pts. 2 reb. C - Glen Tirado (fresh) 4 reb. | |
| 11:40 | Northern Illinois University | Robert Forman makes the jump hook from the baseline set up by Earl Short | 46-45 |
| 11:30 | Western Illinois | Nicholas Smith can't connect on a 3pt attempt from straight away | 46-45 |
| 11:28 | Western Illinois | Robert Reed tips it back up and in | 46-47 |
| 11:11 | Northern Illinois University | Joseph Carini hits the front of the rim on the jump hook from the right block | 46-47 |
| 11:10 | Northern Illinois University | The offensive rebound goes to Dwayne Williams | 46-47 |
| 11:03 | Northern Illinois University | Daniel Borchardt is called for the reach on Earl Short - foul #2 on Daniel Borchardt, team foul #4 | 46-47 |
| Subs | Northern Illinois University | Victor Charles (SF), Timothy Poythress (PF) Dwayne Williams, Dominic Russo | |
| Subs | Western Illinois | Phillip Schutz (SG), Russell Wilson (C) Nicholas Smith, Glen Tirado | |
| 10:45 | Northern Illinois University | Victor Charles comes up short on the 3pt jumper from straight away | 46-47 |
| 10:44 | Northern Illinois University | Robert Forman pulls down the offensive rebound | 46-47 |
| 10:31 | Northern Illinois University | Mark Hamner is called for the reach on Robert Forman - foul #3 on Mark Hamner, team foul #5 | 46-47 |
| Subs | Northern Illinois University | Richard Johnson (PG), Roy Kaler (C) Robert Forman, Joseph Carini | |
| Subs | Western Illinois | Darryl Shields (C) Robert Reed | |
| 10:16 | Northern Illinois University | Victor Charles misses short on a fadeaway jumper from the free throw line | 46-47 |
| 10:14 | Northern Illinois University | Timothy Poythress grabs the offensive board | 46-47 |
| 10:04 | Northern Illinois University | Roy Kaler comes up short on the shot from the baseline but the foul's on Darryl Shields - foul #2 on Darryl Shields, team foul #6 | 46-47 |
| Subs | Northern Illinois University | Ricky Spears (SG) Earl Short | |
| Subs | Western Illinois | Lyle Davey (PG), Daniel Blount (SF) Mark Hamner, Daniel Borchardt | |
| 10:04 | Northern Illinois University | Roy Kaler misses the 1st free throw | 46-47 |
| 10:04 | Northern Illinois University | Roy Kaler makes the 2nd free throw | 47-47 |
| 09:46 | Western Illinois | Russell Wilson double dribbles | 47-47 |
| Subs | Northern Illinois University | Dwayne Williams (SF), Dominic Russo (PF) Victor Charles, Roy Kaler | |
| Subs | Western Illinois | Nicholas Smith (PF), Glen Tirado (C) Russell Wilson, Darryl Shields | |
| 09:33 | Northern Illinois University | Ricky Spears is hacked by Nicholas Smith - foul #2 on Nicholas Smith, team foul #7 | 47-47 |
| Subs | Northern Illinois University | Robert Forman (PG) Richard Johnson | |
| Subs | Western Illinois | Robert Reed (SF) Lyle Davey | |
| 09:33 | Northern Illinois University | Ricky Spears makes the 1st free throw | 48-47 |
| 09:33 | Northern Illinois University | Ricky Spears makes the 2nd free throw | 49-47 |
| 09:19 | Western Illinois | Daniel Blount is hacked by Dominic Russo - foul #3 on Dominic Russo, team foul #4 | 49-47 |
| Subs | Northern Illinois University | Richard Johnson (SG), Joseph Carini (C) Ricky Spears, Timothy Poythress | |
| Subs | Western Illinois | | |
| 09:04 | Western Illinois | Glen Tirado clanks a fadeaway from the left wing | 49-47 |
| 09:03 | Western Illinois | Robert Reed gets the offensive rebound | 49-47 |
| 08:46 | Western Illinois | Phillip Schutz misses the 3 pointer from straight away | 49-47 |
| 08:45 | Northern Illinois University | Dwayne Williams grabs the defensive rebound | 49-47 |
| 08:41 | Northern Illinois University | Robert Forman double dribbles | 49-47 |
| Subs | Northern Illinois University | Earl Short (SG) Richard Johnson | |
| Subs | Western Illinois | Mark Hamner (PG), Daniel Borchardt (SF) Daniel Blount, Robert Reed | |
| 08:22 | Western Illinois | Mark Hamner hits a pull-up jumper from the right wing on a great pass from Daniel Borchardt | 49-49 |
| 08:18 | Northern Illinois University | Robert Forman misses short on a 3 from the right wing | 49-49 |
| 08:16 | Western Illinois | The rebound goes to Glen Tirado | 49-49 |
| 08:11 | Western Illinois | Daniel Borchardt misses long on a 3 from the left wing | 49-49 |
| 08:09 | Northern Illinois University | Dwayne Williams grabs the board | 49-49 |
| 08:03 | Northern Illinois University | Dwayne Williams's pass is intercepted by Daniel Borchardt | 49-49 |
| 08:00 | Western Illinois | Phillip Schutz lays it up and in set up by Daniel Borchardt | 49-51 |
| 07:43 | Northern Illinois University | Robert Forman knocks in the 3 pointer from the right corner | 52-51 |
| Lineup | Northern Illinois University | PG - Robert Forman (fairly fresh) 24 pts. 1 ast. SG - Earl Short (fresh) 7 pts. 2 ast. SF - Dwayne Williams (fairly fresh) 2 pts. 4 reb. PF - Dominic Russo (fairly fresh) 2 pts. 2 reb. 3 pf. C - Joseph Carini (fresh) 2 pts. 5 reb. | |
| Lineup | Western Illinois | PG - Mark Hamner (fresh) 7 pts. 3 pf. SG - Phillip Schutz (fairly fresh) 5 pts. 2 ast. 3 pf. SF - Daniel Borchardt (fresh) 5 pts. PF - Nicholas Smith (fairly fresh) 12 pts. 2 reb. C - Glen Tirado (fairly fresh) 5 reb. | |
| 07:16 | Western Illinois | Phillip Schutz misses long on a 3 from the right corner | 52-51 |
| 07:15 | Northern Illinois University | Dwayne Williams gets the rebound | 52-51 |
| 07:08 | Northern Illinois University | Robert Forman hits the front of the rim on the runner from the left block but he's hacked by Glen Tirado - foul #3 on Glen Tirado, team foul #8 | 52-51 |
| Subs | Northern Illinois University | Victor Charles (SF), Timothy Poythress (PF), Roy Kaler (C) Dwayne Williams, Dominic Russo, Joseph Carini | |
| Subs | Western Illinois | Daniel Blount (SG), Robert Reed (PF), Russell Wilson (C) Phillip Schutz, Nicholas Smith, Glen Tirado | |
| 07:08 | Northern Illinois University | Robert Forman makes the 1st free throw | 53-51 |
| 07:08 | Northern Illinois University | Robert Forman makes the 2nd free throw | 54-51 |
| 06:55 | Western Illinois | Daniel Borchardt can't connect on a jumpshot from just outside the lane | 54-51 |
| 06:53 | Western Illinois | Daniel Blount tips it home | 54-53 |
| 06:34 | Northern Illinois University | Robert Forman comes up short on the 3pt attempt from the right corner | 54-53 |
| 06:33 | Western Illinois | Daniel Borchardt gets the rebound | 54-53 |
| 06:27 | Western Illinois | Daniel Borchardt makes the 3 from the right corner | 54-56 |
| 05:58 | Northern Illinois University | Robert Forman hits the front of the rim on the 3pt shot from the left corner | 54-56 |
| 05:56 | Western Illinois | Russell Wilson gets the rebound | 54-56 |
| 05:46 | Western Illinois | Russell Wilson clanks a jump hook in the lane | 54-56 |
| 05:44 | Western Illinois | Russell Wilson grabs the offensive board | 54-56 |
| 05:33 | Western Illinois | Robert Reed misses long on a jumpshot from the free throw line | 54-56 |
| 05:31 | Western Illinois | Daniel Borchardt grabs the offensive rebound | 54-56 |
| 05:18 | Western Illinois | Daniel Blount hits a shot in the lane on a nice dish by Robert Reed | 54-58 |
| 04:54 | Northern Illinois University | Victor Charles travels with the ball | 54-58 |
| Subs | Northern Illinois University | Richard Johnson (PG), Ricky Spears (SG), Dwayne Williams (SF), Dominic Russo (PF), Joseph Carini (C) Robert Forman, Earl Short, Victor Charles, Timothy Poythress, Roy Kaler | |
| Subs | Western Illinois | Phillip Schutz (SG), Nicholas Smith (PF), Glen Tirado (C) Mark Hamner, Daniel Borchardt, Russell Wilson | |
| 04:39 | Western Illinois | Robert Reed scores on a 3pt shot from the left wing on a great pass from Phillip Schutz | 54-61 |
| 04:14 | Northern Illinois University | Phillip Schutz steals it from Joseph Carini | 54-61 |
| 03:58 | Western Illinois | Glen Tirado misses long on a pull-up jumper from the left side | 54-61 |
| 03:56 | Northern Illinois University | Dominic Russo grabs the board | 54-61 |
| 03:51 | Northern Illinois University | Dwayne Williams hits the finger roll set up by Ricky Spears | 56-61 |
| 03:28 | Western Illinois | Robert Reed scores on a floater in the paint | 56-63 |
| Lineup | Northern Illinois University | PG - Richard Johnson (fresh) 2 pts. 4 ast. SG - Ricky Spears (fresh) 5 pts. 1 ast. SF - Dwayne Williams (fresh) 4 pts. 5 reb. PF - Dominic Russo (fresh) 2 pts. 3 reb. 3 pf. C - Joseph Carini (fresh) 2 pts. 5 reb. | |
| Lineup | Western Illinois | PG - Daniel Blount (fairly fresh) 12 pts. 1 ast. SG - Phillip Schutz (fresh) 5 pts. 3 ast. 2 stl. 3 pf. SF - Robert Reed (fairly fresh) 15 pts. 3 reb. PF - Nicholas Smith (fresh) 12 pts. 2 reb. C - Glen Tirado (fresh) 5 reb. 3 pf. | |
| 03:06 | Northern Illinois University | Joseph Carini blows the dunk | 56-63 |
| 03:05 | Northern Illinois University | The offensive rebound goes to Dominic Russo | 56-63 |
| 02:47 | Northern Illinois University | Joseph Carini hits a fadeaway from the left block on a great pass from Ricky Spears | 58-63 |
| 02:47 | Western Illinois | Western Illinois calls a full timeout (2 :30 3 full remaining) | 58-63 |
| Subs | Northern Illinois University | Robert Forman (PG), Earl Short (SG) Richard Johnson, Ricky Spears | |
| Subs | Western Illinois | Mark Hamner (PG), Daniel Borchardt (SF) Daniel Blount, Robert Reed | |
| 02:26 | Western Illinois | Phillip Schutz is fouled on the floor by Earl Short - foul #2 on Earl Short, team foul #5 | 58-63 |
| 02:13 | Western Illinois | Daniel Borchardt hits the front of the rim on the 3pt attempt from straight away but he's fouled by Dominic Russo - foul #4 on Dominic Russo, team foul #6 | 58-63 |
| 02:13 | Western Illinois | Daniel Borchardt makes the 1st free throw | 58-64 |
| 02:13 | Western Illinois | Daniel Borchardt makes the 2nd free throw | 58-65 |
| 02:13 | Western Illinois | Daniel Borchardt makes the 3rd free throw | 58-66 |
| Game Plan | Northern Illinois University | Northern Illinois University is playing a fastbreak offense (uptempo) and a 2-3 zone (+2) | |
| Game Plan | Western Illinois | Western Illinois is playing a triangle offense and a man to man (+1) | |
| 02:06 | Northern Illinois University | Dwayne Williams misses the jump hook near the basket | 58-66 |
| 02:05 | Western Illinois | The rebound goes to Phillip Schutz | 58-66 |
| Game Plan | Northern Illinois University | Northern Illinois University is playing a fastbreak offense (uptempo) and a 2-3 zone (-1) | |
| Game Plan | Western Illinois | Western Illinois is playing a triangle offense (slowdown) and a man to man (+1) | |
| 02:00 | Western Illinois | Daniel Borchardt comes up short on the 3 from the left wing | 58-66 |
| 01:59 | Northern Illinois University | Robert Forman snags the defensive board | 58-66 |
| 01:53 | Northern Illinois University | Robert Forman blows the layup | 58-66 |
| 01:52 | Western Illinois | Mark Hamner gets the rebound | 58-66 |
| 01:33 | Western Illinois | Daniel Borchardt connects on the jumper from the right wing and he's fouled by Dwayne Williams - foul #2 on Dwayne Williams, team foul #7 | 58-68 |
| Subs | Northern Illinois University | Richard Johnson (PG), Ricky Spears (SG), Victor Charles (SF), Timothy Poythress (PF), Roy Kaler (C) Robert Forman, Earl Short, Dwayne Williams, Dominic Russo, Joseph Carini | |
| Subs | Western Illinois | Daniel Blount (PG), Robert Reed (SG), Russell Wilson (PF), Darryl Shields (C) Mark Hamner, Phillip Schutz, Nicholas Smith, Glen Tirado | |
| 01:33 | Western Illinois | Daniel Borchardt makes the free throw | 58-69 |
| 01:21 | Northern Illinois University | Richard Johnson's pass is intercepted by Russell Wilson | 58-69 |
| 00:53 | Western Illinois | Robert Reed misses the jumper in the paint but he's fouled by Richard Johnson - foul #2 on Richard Johnson, team foul #8 | 58-69 |
| Subs | Northern Illinois University | | |
| Subs | Western Illinois | Lyle Davey (PG) Daniel Borchardt | |
| 00:53 | Western Illinois | Robert Reed makes the 1st free throw | 58-70 |
| 00:53 | Western Illinois | Robert Reed makes the 2nd free throw | 58-71 |
| Game Plan | Northern Illinois University | Northern Illinois University is playing a quick shot offense (quick shot) and a 2-3 zone (-1) | |
| Game Plan | Western Illinois | Western Illinois is playing a triangle offense (slowdown) and a man to man (+1) | |
| 00:47 | Northern Illinois University | Ricky Spears misses short on a 3 from the right wing | 58-71 |
| 00:46 | Northern Illinois University | Richard Johnson misses the tip | 58-71 |
| 00:44 | Northern Illinois University | Timothy Poythress gets the offensive rebound | 58-71 |
| 00:41 | Northern Illinois University | Timothy Poythress is fouled on the floor by Russell Wilson - foul #1 on Russell Wilson, team foul #9 | 58-71 |
| 00:41 | Northern Illinois University | Timothy Poythress makes the 1st free throw | 59-71 |
| 00:41 | Northern Illinois University | Timothy Poythress makes the 2nd free throw | 60-71 |
| Game Plan | Northern Illinois University | Northern Illinois University is playing a quick shot offense (quick shot) and a 2-3 zone (-1) | |
| Game Plan | Western Illinois | Western Illinois is playing a spread offense (hold ball) and a man to man (+1) | |
| 00:21 | Western Illinois | Darryl Shields misses short on a runner in the lane | 60-71 |
| 00:19 | Western Illinois | Darryl Shields tips it home | 60-73 |
| 00:15 | Northern Illinois University | Richard Johnson hits the front of the rim on the 3pt attempt from the right wing | 60-73 |
| 00:14 | Western Illinois | Robert Reed grabs the board | 60-73 |
| 00:00 | Western Illinois | Lyle Davey runs out the clock | 60-73 |