- Matchup: Northern Illinois Huskies vs Buffalo Bulls
- Date: Tuesday, February 17, 2026
- Venue: Alumni Arena, Buffalo, NY
- Broadcast: ESPN+
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The Northern Illinois Huskies (8-16) are heading to Alumni Arena for a showdown against the Buffalo Bulls (15-10) this Tuesday.
In their most recent outing, the Northern Illinois Huskies faced Central Michigan, suffering a significant defeat with a final score of 88-46. The Huskies finished with a shooting percentage of 27.3%, converting 15 of 55 attempts, including just 4 of 20 from beyond the arc. From the free throw line, Northern Illinois managed to make 12 of their 27 tries, resulting in a 44.4% success rate. On the boards, they secured 29 rebounds, 13 of which were offensive. The team dished out 6 assists during the contest while forcing 9 turnovers on the opposition and securing 5 steals. Defensively, Northern Illinois allowed Central Michigan to shoot an impressive 62.7%, with the opponent hitting 37 of 59 shots. Central Michigan also tallied 18 assists and 9 steals, while grabbing 32 rebounds (7 offensive and 25 defensive), but did not record any blocks. Their free throw shooting was 70.0%, converting 7 of 10 attempts, and they successfully hit 7 of 11 attempts from three-point range. The Huskies committed 13 personal fouls compared to 22 for Central Michigan.
Makhai Valentine was a key player during the game, recording a 44.4% shooting percentage with no assists. He logged 33 minutes, grabbed 6 rebounds, and scored 13 points on 4 of 9 shooting.
The Huskies enter this match with a season record of 8-16, averaging 15.2 turnovers and committing 18.8 fouls per game. They pull down an average of 35.8 rebounds and have accumulated 306 assists throughout the season, ranking 323rd in Division 1 for assists. Northern Illinois has a three-point shooting percentage of 31.5% (198 of 629) and a free throw percentage of 66.4%. They average 71.0 points per game, placing them 293rd in Division 1, with an overall field goal percentage of 41.5%.
On defense, the Huskies create an average of 12.4 turnovers per game while drawing 18.3 personal fouls. They rank 136th nationally in allowing assists, conceding 332 throughout the year. Their defensive field goal percentage stands at 47.6% (648 of 1,361), while allowing an average of 33.5 rebounds per game. They hold opponents to 32.2% shooting from three-point range and rank 254th in Division 1, allowing an average of 76.5 points per game.
In their last matchup, the Buffalo Bulls secured a 63-53 victory against Ball State. Buffalo allowed Ball State to grab 24 rebounds in total (only 7 offensive). The Bulls shot 33.3% from beyond the arc, hitting 8 of 24 attempts, and were 7 of 9 at the free throw line, yielding a success rate of 77.8%. Defensively, they held Ball State to 35.2% shooting, allowing 19 baskets on 54 attempts. Buffalo made 21 out of 48 shots from the floor, achieving a 43.8% field goal percentage. In three-point shooting, they converted 6 of 19 attempts (31.6%) and made 15 free throws for an impressive 88.2%. Ball State committed 14 fouls, giving Buffalo 17 free throw attempts. The Bulls ended the game with 10 turnovers while recording 8 steals, along with 31 total rebounds, comprising 24 defensive and 7 offensive boards.
Tim Oboh was instrumental for Buffalo, shooting 80.0% by converting 8 of 10 attempts and collecting 8 rebounds. He scored 20 points in his 29 minutes on the court without any assists.
Buffalo boasts a 15-10 overall record for the season. The Bulls average 16.2 fouls per game and are hitting an impressive 74.1% from the free throw line. They provide 14.8 assists per game (ranking 124th in college basketball) while committing 10.9 turnovers. Throughout the season, Buffalo has scored 1,966 points, averaging 78.6 points per game, and grabbing 32.4 rebounds per game. Offensively, they rank 54th in Division 1 with a field goal percentage of 47.6%.
On defense, the Bulls are ranked 217th in college basketball, allowing 74.8 points per game. They force an average of 11.8 turnovers and have limited opponents to a shooting percentage of 46.6% (310th in the nation). Opponents shoot 33.8% from long range (206 of 610), and they convert 72.9% of their free throw attempts. Buffalo permits an average of 15.5 assists and 32.9 rebounds per game, ranking 314th and 90th, respectively.
Who will emerge victorious in tonight’s NCAA game against the spread?
Pick: Take Northern Illinois
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