When the NCAA introduced the three-point shot in the early 80s, it changed the game in many ways.

The NIU men’s basketball team used the three-pointer as a dagger to beat Indiana State 86-79 Tuesday night at the Convocation Center. The Huskies (2-1) shot 55 percent from long range and sank key baskets that kept the game under control.

Darion “Jake” Anderson and Mike DiNunno both finished the night with 27 points each and shot a combined 10-for-18 from behind the arc, good for 56 percent. NIU only nailed two more threes than the Sycamores, but the timing of the shots played a major part in the outcome of the game.

Heading into halftime, leading 35-33, NIU’s Bryan Hall stole the ball with five seconds on the clock. Hall pushed the ball up the court to DiNunno who nailed the fall-away three as time expired which sent the crowd of 1,679 into a frenzy.

“That definitely killed the momentum,” DiNunno said. “They could have went into the half only down by two, so I think it changed the game.”

NIU head coach Ricardo Patton thought another three played a significant factor in the game. It came from Tyler Storm seven minutes into the contest.

“The key to the game for us early in the first half when Indiana State when to a zone defense, a defense we struggled with against Maine,” Patton said. “He made some huge baskets and after that, we didn’t see any more zone.”

DiNunno shot the lights out of the Convo, chucking up twelve long balls. The guard with the quick trigger is happy to have an opportunity to help out the team.

“Obviously there are some shots I know I’m not capable of making,” DiNunno said. “If I get an opportunity to knock a few down and relieve the pressure and knock down some momentum killers, I’m going to let it go as long as it’s a good shot and within the offense.”

A good shooter has to be confident in his shot, and ISU head coach Kevin McKenna feels that DiNunno is.

“He plays with a lot of confidence and with no fear and we didn’t make it tough enough for him,” McKenna said. “He’s not afraid to make any mistakes and that’s the way you’ve got to play.”

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