HARTFORD, Conn. -- Mark Nwakamma scored 24 points, grabbed seven rebounds and finished with five assists to lead Hartford past Central Connecticut State University 80-77 Saturday in nonconference action.

CCSU (3-3) led 60-56 before Nwakamma sparked a 14-2 run for the Hawks. Nwakamma started the run with a layup, then hit a 3-pointer that put Hartford ahead 70-62 with 4:15 left to play. Hartford would never trail again.

CCSU would cut Hartford's (2-3) lead to three on several occasions, but the Hawks would convert their free throws down the stretch to hold the lead.

The Blue Devils had one last chance to tie with just 1 second left, but Malcolm McMillan turned the ball over, sealing the win for the Hawks.

Kyle Vinales finished with a game-high 32 points, and Matt Hunter added a double-double, 22 points and 12 rebounds, to lead CCSU.