LAKE CHARLES, La. -- John Simons had 13 points and Austin Keel and Chris Fowler added 12 apiece to lead Central Michigan to a dominating 87-58 win over McNeese State on Monday night.

Fowler also had six assists and three steals.

Central Michigan (9-1) is off to its best start since going 10-1 to open the 1974-75 season.

McNeese State led early but a Josh Kozinski 3-pointer with 6:19 left in the first half started a 14-0 run that led to a 43-27 halftime advantage. The Cowboys never challenged again.

CMU's bench contributed 44 points. The Chippewas were strong underneath, winning the rebound battle 47-34 and scoring 40 points in the paint while limiting McNeese State to just 20.

Kevin Hardy had 14, DeSharick Guidry added 13 points and 15 boards, and Keeland Garrett chipped in 12 points for McNeese State (5-5).