Kool, Western Michigan top Northern Illinois 90-81

KALAMAZOO, Mich. -- David Kool scored 33 points, including 11 in a row during a game-turning run in the second half, to lead Western Michigan past Northern Illinois 90-81 on Wednesday night.

Kool, the Mid-American Conference's leading scorer, hit 16 of 17 free throws for the Broncos (14-12, 6-7).

Flenard Whitfield added 16 points, Donald Lawson had a double-double of 13 points and 10 rebounds and Martelle McLemore scored 12.

Xavier Silas' 23 points included five 3-pointers for the Huskies (8-17, 4-9), who dropped their ninth consecutive league game. Sean Kowal had 17 points and eight rebounds, and Michael Patton scored 12.

Patton's 3-pointer gave Northern Illinois a 51-47 lead with 14:23 left. Then Kool began his 11-point run. His 3-pointer with 9:52 left ended the streak and put the Broncos up 58-57, and the Huskies never regained the lead.

Northern Illinois led 35-32 at halftime.