Halftime Report
Fortunes may be turning around for Central Michigan after losing three in a row. They have jumped out to a quick 32-28 lead against N. Illinois.
If Central Michigan keeps playing like this, they'll bump their record up to 17-13 in no time. On the other hand, N. Illinois will have to make due with a 10-20 record unless they turn things around (and fast).
Who's Playing
Central Michigan Chippewas @ N. Illinois Huskies
Current Records: Central Michigan 16-13, N. Illinois 10-19
How To Watch
- When: Tuesday, March 5, 2024 at 8 p.m. ET
- Where: Convocation Center -- DeKalb, Illinois
- Follow: CBS Sports App
- Online Streaming: Catch select College Basketball matches on Fubo (Try for free. Regional restrictions may apply.)
- Ticket Cost: $10.00
What to Know
N. Illinois will be in front of their home fans on Tuesday, but a look at the spread shows they might need that home-court advantage. They and the Central Michigan Chippewas will face off in a Mid American battle at 8:00 p.m. ET at Convocation Center. Both teams took a loss in their last game, so they'll have plenty of motivation to get the 'W'.
Last Saturday, the Huskies couldn't handle the Zips and fell 80-73. N. Illinois has struggled against Akron recently, as their match on Saturday was their third consecutive lost matchup.
Meanwhile, Central Michigan fought the good fight in their overtime matchup against Kent State on Saturday but wound up with a less-than-desirable result. They fell 79-73 to the Golden Flashes. Central Michigan just can't catch a break and has now endured three losses in a row.
The Huskies have been struggling recently as they've lost four of their last five matches, which put a noticeable dent in their 10-19 record this season. As for the Chippewas, their loss dropped their record down to 16-13.
While both teams both let their fans down in their last outings, both still covered. Looking forward, Central Michigan is expected to win a tight contest, barring any buzzer beaters. Bettors picking N. Illinois against the spread have some confidence (to put it mildly), as the team is sitting on a seven-game streak of failing to cover when playing as the underdogs at home.
N. Illinois came up short against Central Michigan in their previous matchup back in January, falling 84-77. Will N. Illinois have more luck at home instead of on the road?
Odds
Central Michigan is a slight 1.5-point favorite against N. Illinois, according to the latest college basketball odds.
The line on this game has moved a bit since it opened, as it started out with the Huskies as a 1-point favorite.
The over/under is 137 points.
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Series History
N. Illinois and Central Michigan both have 5 wins in their last 10 games.
- Jan 30, 2024 - Central Michigan 84 vs. N. Illinois 77
- Feb 25, 2023 - N. Illinois 84 vs. Central Michigan 80
- Jan 10, 2023 - N. Illinois 73 vs. Central Michigan 54
- Jan 29, 2022 - Central Michigan 69 vs. N. Illinois 63
- Mar 05, 2021 - N. Illinois 79 vs. Central Michigan 74
- Feb 22, 2020 - N. Illinois 82 vs. Central Michigan 81
- Jan 07, 2020 - Central Michigan 68 vs. N. Illinois 67
- Mar 05, 2019 - N. Illinois 89 vs. Central Michigan 86
- Jan 15, 2019 - Central Michigan 78 vs. N. Illinois 69
- Feb 13, 2018 - Central Michigan 80 vs. N. Illinois 72