Armstead gives Northern Illinois 80-79 over Akron

DEKALB, Ill. (AP) Aaric Armstead scored 21 points, including the game-winning free throws with 1.7 seconds left, and Northern Illinois edged Akron 80-79 on Saturday.

Isaiah Johnson's two free throws with 15 seconds left put the Zips ahead but they couldn't corral the rebound when Travon Baker missed a 3-point attempt with seven seconds left.

Josh Williams hit a 3-pointer and the Zips made 3 of 4 free throws to take a 77-75 lead with just under a minute left. Armstread put the Huskies back on top with a 3-point play with 37 seconds remaining.

Marin Maric had 17 points and 11 rebounds for Northern Illinois (17-8, 6-6 Mid-American), which had 15 offensive rebounds and a 41-34 rebounding advantage. The Huskies had lost five straight.

Williams hit 6 of 9 behind the arc and scored 22 points for the Zips (20-5, 9-3), which had won seven straight, and Johnson had 16 points.