Hot-shooting Central Michigan scorches Kent State, 88-61

MOUNT PLEASANT, Mich. (AP) Josh Kozinski scored 17 points and led six players into double-figure scoring as Central Michigan shot better than 60 percent from the field and rode a big second half to an 88-61 victory over Kent State Tuesday night.

The Chippewas were deadly from the floor, hitting 34 of 56 shots (60.7 percent), including 6 of 8 from deep.

Dion Edwin hit a 3-pointer at the buzzer to pull Kent State within seven points at intermission, 38-31, but the Chippewas kicked into a higher gear in the second half, outscoring the Golden Flashes by 20, 50-30, over the final 20 minutes.

Braylon Rayson and Chris Fowler each scored 14 points for Central Michigan (13-9, 6-3 Mid-American) and Fowler had 10 assists. Rayshawn Simmons scored 13 points and had nine assists while Luke Meyer and John Simons each added 12 points.

Jimmy Hall's 24 points and nine rebounds paced Kent State (15-7, 6-3).