Central Michigan coasts past Maine 76-48

MOUNT PLEASANT, Mich. (AP) John Simmons scored 17 points, Rayshawn Simmons dished out nine assists and Central Michigan opened its home tournament with a 76-48 rout over Maine on Friday night.

Austin Keel and Luke Meyer each added 10 points apiece for Central Michigan, which shot an efficient 59.2 percent from the field and hit 13 of 26 3-point attempts. Rayshawn Simmons also had seven points and six rebounds.

The Chippewas surged ahead with a 17-4 run capped by Austin Stewart's 3-pointer. They pushed that lead to 23 late in the first half and coasted through the second.

Central Michigan (3-0) moved the ball around well, finishing with 20 assists on 29 baskets and having eight players with at least six points.

Marko Pirovic led Maine (0-3) with 11 points and six boards.

Maine's next tournament game will be against Valparaiso on Sunday, while Central Michigan will take on Arkansas-Pine Bluff afterward.