How to watch N. Illinois Huskies vs. Central Michigan Chippewas: Live stream, TV channel, start time for Saturday's NCAA Basketball game

How to watch Northern Illinois vs. Central Michigan basketball game

By Scout Staff

Jan 18, 2025 at 2:50 pm ET • 3 min read

Halftime Report

Central Michigan is on the road but looking no worse for wear. They have jumped out to a quick 35-29 lead against N. Illinois.

If Central Michigan keeps playing like this, they'll bump their record up to 8-9 in no time. On the other hand, N. Illinois will have to make due with a 4-13 record unless they turn things around (and fast).

Who's Playing

Central Michigan Chippewas @ N. Illinois Huskies

Current Records: Central Michigan 7-9, N. Illinois 4-12

How To Watch

When: Saturday, January 18, 2025 at 2 p.m. ET
Where: Convocation Center -- DeKalb, Illinois
TV: ESPN Plus
Follow: CBS Sports App
Online Streaming: Catch select College Basketball matches on Fubo (Try for free. Regional restrictions may apply.)
Ticket Cost: $17.85

What to Know

Central Michigan and N. Illinois are an even 5-5 against one another since January of 2019, but not for long. Both will face off in a Mid American battle at 2:00 p.m. ET on Saturday at Convocation Center. The Chippewas are no doubt hoping to put an end to a four-game streak of away losses.

Central Michigan will head into Tuesday's matchup on the come-up: they were handed a two-point defeat in their last game, but they sure didn't let that happen against Eastern Michigan on Tuesday. Central Michigan put the hurt on Eastern Michigan with a sharp 82-63 victory. The Chippewas have made a habit of sweeping their opponents off the court, having now won five matches by 19 points or more this season.

Central Michigan's success was the result of a balanced attack that saw several players step up, but Anthony Pritchard led the charge by scoring 22 points along with eight rebounds and two steals. What's more, Pritchard also racked up three offensive rebounds, the most he's had since back in December of 2023. Another player making a difference was Ugnius Jarusevicius, who almost dropped a double-double on 23 points and nine rebounds.

Meanwhile, N. Illinois' recent rough patch got a bit rougher on Tuesday after their fourth straight loss. The contest between them and Miami (Ohio) wasn't a total blowout, but with N. Illinois falling 84-69 at home it was darn close to turning into one.

Despite their defeat, N. Illinois saw several players rise to the challenge and make noteworthy plays. Quentin Jones, who went 8 for 13 en route to 21 points plus two blocks, was perhaps the best of all.

With the win, Central Michigan broke their three-game losing streak and moved their record to 7-9. As for N. Illinois, their loss dropped their record down to 4-12.

Looking forward, Central Michigan is the favorite in this one, as the experts expect to see them win by 10.5 points. For those looking to play the spread, watch out: Central Michigan is playing as the favorites on the road, but their 0-1 record against the spread as such isn't exactly encouraging.

Central Michigan beat N. Illinois 69-63 in their previous matchup back in March of 2024. Does Central Michigan have another victory up their sleeve, or will N. Illinois turn the tables on them? We'll have the answer soon enough.