The Seawolves surrendered a 31-25 halftime lead by shooting just 34 percent on its three-point shots in the second half, while Northern Illinois connected at a sizzling 60 percent.
UAA built its lead to seven points when senior Kenny Barker made two free throws with less than 16 minutes to play. But Northern Illinois clawed back, grabbing the lead for good on a three-pointer by Sean Smith with 7:22 left in the game.
The Seawolves, who reached the national Division II semifinals last season, have no returning starters and just nine available players due to injury.
Barker led UAA with 20 points, and Brandon Walker (14), Kevin White (12) and Jeremiah Trueman (10) all hit double figures.
Darion Anderson led Northern Illinois (3-2) with 25 points and Smith chipped in 19 with Sean Kowal adding 11.
The loss drops UAA (0-5) into Saturday afternoon's seventh-place game against the loser of the Louisiana Tech vs. Western Carolina game, being played later today.
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