Northeastern takes the win over IUPUI, 73-60

box score

Ann Arbor, Mich – Four Northeastern players scored in double digits, led by senior Eugene Spates' 14 points as the Huskies downed IUPUI 73-50 in the first round of the 2kSports Classic benefiting Coaches vs. Cancer at Crisler Arena in Ann Arbor, Mich.

The Huskies (1-0) move on to face either Michigan or Michigan Tech in the regional final Wednesday night at 8 p.m. on ESPNU. The winner earns a trip to the semifinals at Madison Square Garden in New York, N.Y.

The Huskies controlled the first half from the get-go as Spates scored the first seven points on a pair of threes. He was fouled on his second three-pointer and completed the four-point play.

From there, the Northeastern defense forced IUPUI to settle for poor shots. The Jaguars were 0-for-10 from three-point range and just 8-for-26 (30.8 percent) from the field in the first half.

The Huskies were only 8-for-23 (34.8 percent) in the first half, but made five three-pointers and were 11-for-12 from the free throw line.

Despite foul trouble, junior captain Matt Janning scored eight points in the first half. The Huskies went into halftime with a 32-22 lead.

In the second half, both teams' offense opened up as Northeastern and IUPUI both got into foul trouble quickly.

The Jaugars (0-1) got as close as six points when Leroy Nobles nailed a three at 12:26 of the second half. However, the Huskies would quickly negate that by going on a 15-5 run with help from sophomore Vinny Lima, who had six points during the streak. Junior Nkem Ojougboh's back-to-back field goals at 8:21 and 8:03 gave Northeastern a 59-43 lead.

From there, the Huskies cruised to victory as they shot 48 percent (13-for-27) in the second half. Janning finished with 13 points, Ojougboh had 12 points and sophomore Chaisson Allen had 11 points, six assists and two steals.

The Jaguars shot 48 percent (12-for-25) in the second half, but could not overcome their poor first half. Robert Glenn led IUPUI with 19 points while Alex Young added 17.

Northeastern will be back at Crisler Arena Wednesday night for the regional final at 8 p.m. on ESPNU.