Northern Illinois rallied from a 12-point second-half deficit and had a chance to win on the final possession, but missed a buzzer-beating 3-pointer in an 89-87 loss to Grambling in the Field of 68 Opening Day Marathon. Trevor Polite led five Huskies in double figures with a career-high 15 points; Grambling’s Isaiah Miranda scored 29.

By the Numbers
  • Final score: Grambling 89, NIU 87.
  • NIU had five players score in double figures.
  • Miranda scored 29 points and shot 7-of-8 from the field in the first half.
  • Grambling shot 72.7% in the second half.
  • Max Weisbrod recorded 11 points and 8 assists.
Yes, But

NIU’s comeback brought the Huskies within one late, but missed free throws and a final missed 3-pointer weren’t enough to complete the rally. The team’s resilience was a positive, though coach Matt Majkrzak said the close loss was especially difficult for a group with limited experience in high-stakes games.

What’s Next

NIU travels to Tulsa on Nov. 5 to face the Golden Hurricane. Tipoff is scheduled for 7 p.m. CT, with coverage on ESPN+ and 94.9 WDKB.

Bottom Line

NIU showed it could fight back, but Grambling’s efficient second-half shooting and late-game execution proved decisive in a season-opening heartbreak.