Miami (Ohio) wins first MAC contest, tops N. Illinois, 72-59

Jan 30, 2016, 06:14 pm

OXFORD, Ohio -- Ali Barnes knocked down three straight 3-pointers to open the second half and spark Miami (Ohio) to a 72-59 win over Northern Illinois Saturday for the RedHawks' first win in Mid-American Conference play this season.

Leading by one at halftime, the RedHawks outscored Northern Illinois by 12 over the final 20 minutes.

Geovonie McKnight was a perfect 8 for 8 from the line and scored 18 points to lead Miami (7-14, 1-7). Barnes and Rod Mills each finished with 11 points. Barnes was in the game replacing Zach McCormick, who left the game late in the first half after taking a charge.

The Huskies cut the Miami lead to two with just under 11 minutes left, but the RedHawks answered with three straight 3-pointers by Mills and two by Dion Wade.

Marshawn Wilson led the Huskies (16-5, 5-3) with 24 points off the bench. Aaric Armstead added 19.