Bryant cruises past CCSU for 88-72 win

SMITHFIELD, R.I. (AP) Marcel Pettway scored a career-high 26 points on 11-for-17 shooting Saturday and Bryant cruised to an 88-72 win over Central Connecticut State in the Northeast Conference opener for both teams.

Dan Garvin added 15 points, hauled in 12 rebounds and got his 100th career block for Bryant (4-10), which hit 54 percent of its 71 shots from the field. Hunter Ware and Shane McLaughlin contributed 16 points each.

Bryant took the lead for good early in the first half with a layup from McLaughlin that made it 11-10. McLaughlin sank another bucket just before the break to make it 43-33 and the margin stayed at double figures the rest of the way.

Garvin got his 100th career block by stuffing CCSU's opening shot of the second half.

Brandon Peel led CCSU (1-11) with 16 points and 16 rebounds, and Jahlil Nails had 12 points.