Rusty After 9 Days Off, Golden Eagles Hold Off Northern Illinois, 79-70

Markus Howard scored 26 points to lead Marquette to a 79-70 win over Northern Illinois Monday night. The Golden Eagles struggled with poor shooting and foul trouble in their first game after a nine-day break for finals.  Sam Hauser scored 21 points as Marquette’s record improved to 8-3.  The Eagles missed 21-of-30 3-pointers and the two teams combined for 53 free throws.  Senior Andrew Rowsey left the action with a leg injury late in the second half.  Marquette hosts American University Thursday at the B-M-O Harris Bradley Center.