MOUNT PLEASANT, Mich. -- Chris Fowler was 8 of 11 from the field, scoring 21 points, as Central Michigan held off Jacksonville State 66-61 Saturday night.

Central Michigan (5-3) hit a scorching 60.5 percent from the field, making 13 of 18 in the second period. The Chippewas also outrebounded Jacksonville State (3-6) 26 to 19.

Central Michigan managed to get a 29-25 halftime lead after a scrappy first half. The Chippewas pushed their lead to 45-32 with 14:23 remaining.

A Jamal Hunter tip-in followed by three free throws from Grant White and Hunter tightened the score to 56-53. Blake Hibbitts hit a 3-pointer seconds later to increase Central Michigan's lead to six.

Giovanni Smith got the Gamecocks to within three when he made two free throws with 45 seconds remaining. Fowler and Hibbitts then made two free throws each for the victory.

Rico Sanders and Darion Rackley each had 10 points for the Gamecocks.