MOUNT PLEASANT, Mich. -- Mike Talley scored 21 points in helping Eastern Michigan get past Central Michigan 72-59 on Saturday.

Karrington Ward mastered the paint for the Eagles, pulling in 15 rebounds and scoring 15 points in the victory.

Eastern Michigan (11-6, 3-1 Mid-American) entered the second period with a four point advantage, 25-21 over Central Michigan as both teams had problems hitting the basket in the first half, especially from the 3-point range.

Eastern Michigan led 44-37 with 11 minutes to play, when the Eagles pulled off a 7-0 run over the next 30 seconds highlighted by six Talley points, upping their lead to 51-37

Glen Bryant's dunk with just under two minutes left forced Central Michigan (7-9, 0-4) into foul mode and the Eagles responded by making 8 of 10 from the line in picking up the win.

Central Michigan was led by Austin Stewart who tallied 15 points.