Northern Illinois holds off Eastern Michigan 71-69

YPSILANTI, Mich. — Xavier Silas scored 31 points to lead Northern Illinois to a 71-69 victory over Eastern Michigan Tuesday night.

Silas made 11 of his 14 shots from the field — all six of his 3-point attempts — for Northern Illinois (5-9, 1-1 Mid-American). The Huskies made 61 percent of their shots from outside and 67 percent (10 of 15) from long range.

Tim Toler scored 11 points and Nate Rucker had 10 for the Huskies, who struggled at the free-throw line, making just 11 of 23.

Derek Thompson led Eastern Michigan (4-11, 1-1) with 31 points. He made a 3-pointer with 20 seconds left to draw the Eagles within 68-66 after they had trailed by 16 earlier in the second half. Michael Patton made two free throws for the Huskies and Jeremy Landers made one with 3 seconds left, then Thompson hit another 3 to close the scoring.