N Illinois tops Bowling Green, 71-60, keeps pace in MAC West

DEKALB, Ill. (AP) Aaric Armstead scored 11 of his 14 points in the second half as Northern Illinois beat Bowling Green, 71-60 Tuesday night to remain a game back in the Mid-American Conference West Division.

The Huskies kept pace with MAC West Division leader Ball State, which beat Miami (Ohio), 73-56. The game was the final contest for Northern Illinois against a team from the MAC East.

Northern Illinois led by six at intermission, 38-32, but pushed the lead to double digits in the second half and led by as many as 18.

Armstead shot 6 of 10 from the field, including 2 of 5 from long range to help pace the Huskies (18-8, 7-6). Marshawn Wilson had 12 points and Marin Maric contributed 10 points and grabbed 12 rebounds.

Travon Baker set an NIU record for most games played (118).

Spencer Parker and Wes Alcegaire each had 14 points for Bowling Green (13-13, 4-9).