NIU versus EMU III: MAC Tourney 1st Round Preview

Three chances for Northern Illinois to defeat the Eastern Michigan Eagles. Will it happen? Not likely.

When we last saw the Huskies, they blew a 32-24 lead at halftime to the Ball State Cardinals, only to lose the game 61-52. How does this happen? Well, a ridiculous 24 fouls were called on the Huskies compared to only 11 for the Cardinals. 15 FT attempts to 6. How do things like this happen? Getting out-rebounded 35-29 and 16-9 on the offensive boards didn't help as well.

Abdel Nader did his usual thing scoring 16 and grabbing 6 boards.

Up comes the Eagles. The first time we lost 40-47 at home, the second time we lost 48-45 on the road. Now we should win the game? Would be nice, but you can't trust the 0-14 Huskies on the road.

The spread opened up at -8 and is rising, which is absolutely mind-boggling, considering the pace of how both these teams play. In their last game, they got humiliated by Toledo 51-76 on the road, making the line that much more confusing.

I want the Huskies to be competitive in this one, but considering we can't win a road game and the fact we haven't won a MAC tourney game since 2003 I don't feel comfortable backing the Huskies in this one.

EMU 61, Huskies 49