YPSILANTI, Mich. (AP) - Xavier Silas scored 31 points to lead Northern Illinois to a 71-69 victory over Eastern Michigan Tuesday night.

Silas made 11 of his 14 shots from the field - all six of his 3-point attempts - for Northern Illinois (5-9, 1-1 Mid-American). The Huskies made 61 percent of their shots from outside and 67 percent (10 of 15) from long range.

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Tim Toler scored 11 points and Nate Rucker had 10 for the Huskies, who struggled at the free-throw line, making just 11 of 23.

Derek Thompson led Eastern Michigan (4-11, 1-1) with 31 points. He made a 3-pointer with 20 seconds left to draw the Eagles within 68-66 after they had trailed by 16 earlier in the second half. Michael Patton made two free throws for the Huskies and Jeremy Landers made one with 3 seconds left, then Thompson hit another 3 to close the scoring.