NIU ran out to a 12-5 lead in the first, causing an early Toledo timeout. The game went on to remain close despite the early lead.
Toldeo scored six straight points with 11:28 to play in the half and cut the Huskies' lead down to 12-11. The teams were tied at 24 with less than four minutes to play. Toledo shot 15 free throws in the first 20 minutes to NIU’s four.
Junior guard Aaric Armstead gave the Huskies a 34-32 lead just before the horn to end the first half.
The Huskies scored seven consecutive points five minutes into the second period, taking a 41-38 lead.