NEW YORK -- Martin Hermannsson scored 20 points, had six assists and grabbed five rebounds to lead LIU Brooklyn past Central Connecticut 80-74 on Thursday night.

Austin Nehls buried a 3 to cut the Blackbirds' deficit to 74-71 with 50 seconds remaining. He then fouled Hermannsson who sank both free throws. Nehls missed his 3-point attempt, and Joel Hernandez hit free throws to seal the game.

The Blackbirds led 41-32 at halftime using a 7-0 run in the last 1:36 of the half. Hernandez's dunk off a steal pushed the lead to 51-39 with 15:27 to play.

Hernandez finished with 16 points and six rebounds, Iverson Fleming tallied 14 on 7-for-11 shooting and Nura Zanna added 12 points, seven boards and three steals for LIU Brooklyn (15-13, 9-8 Northeast Conference).

Kevin Seymour had 22 points and had nine assists for Central Connecticut (4-24, 3-14). Brandon Peel added 16 points and 13 rebounds.