Northern Illinois: Northern Illinois Returns to the Hardwood

Northern Illinois Returns to the Hardwood: Northern Illinois played the first athletic game on campus Tuesday night against Western Michigan since a gunman killed five students in a lecture hall Feb. 14 before killing himself. The Huskies lost 56-49 to Western Michigan, but the coaches and players said the game’s meaning was deeper than a win or loss. Before the game, players from both teams locked arms at center court to observe a moment of silence. Northern Illinois led by six in the second half before the Broncos clamped down on defense to end the game on an 18-5 run. [2/27/08]