DEKALB, Ill. (AP) -- Quentin Jones had 22 points in Northern Illinois' 79-66 victory against Monmouth on Tuesday night.

Jones shot 6 of 12 from the field, including 3 for 6 from 3-point range, and went 7 for 10 from the line for the Huskies (1-1). Ethan Butler scored 15 points while going 6 of 9 and 2 of 3 from the free-throw line and added three blocks. James Dent Jr. finished with 10 points, eight rebounds and three blocks.

Abdi Bashir Jr. led the way for the Hawks (0-3) with 25 points and two steals. Madison Durr added 14 points for Monmouth. Justin Ray finished with 10 points.

Northern Illinois took the lead with 2:30 left in the first half and did not give it up. The score was 42-34 at halftime, with Jones racking up 15 points. Northern Illinois extended its lead to 51-34 during the second half, fueled by a 9-0 scoring run. Kailon Nicholls scored a team-high eight points in the second half and finished with 10 points for the Huskies.