German scores 23 to lead N. Illinois past Ohio 80-61

DEKALB, Ill. (AP) — Eugene German had 23 points as Northern Illinois topped Ohio 80-61 in the first round of the Mid-American Conference Tourney on Monday night.

German shot 4 for 6 from behind the arc.

Dante Thorpe had 18 points for Northern Illinois (16-16). Lacey James added 14 points.

Doug Taylor tied a career high with 20 points and had 11 rebounds for the Bobcats (14-17). Jason Carter added 14 points and seven rebounds. Teyvion Kirk had 14 points.