Central Michigan drops NAIA Lourdes 87-66

Dec 31, 2015, 03:05 pm

MOUNT PLEASANT, Mich. -- Braylon Rayson scored 19 points, Chris Fowler added 18 and Central Michigan broke away from Lourdes in the second half for an 87-66 win on Thursday.

The NAIA Gray Wolves, who entered the exhibition game with a 7-7 record, were tied with the Chippewas (7-6) at halftime, 40-40, but were doomed by a long cold stretch.

E.J. Blackwell, who finished with 23 points, hit a jumper at 13:41 of the second half to put Lourdes within 48-46 but it would be seven minutes before the Gray Wolves scored another basket and Central Michigan went on a 19-2 run.

The Chippewas, who are fourth in the nation with 11 3-pointers a game, only went 6 for 21 but still shot 54 percent (29 of 54) from the field. Central Michigan used its size advantage well with a 39-20 rebounding margin and 35 free throw attempts, making 23.

Lourdes shot 50 percent but was 7 of 13 from the line.