HARTFORD, Conn. -- Tyler Kohl scored a career-high 30 points and grabbed 10 rebounds, Deion Bute also had a double-double and Central Connecticut State defeated Hartford 75-68 in the season opener for both teams on Tuesday night.

Bute had 15 points and 11 rebounds for the Blue Devils, who trailed by 12 midway through the first half and 40-36 at the break.

A layup by Kohl and a 3-pointer from Joe Hugley with 12:48 to play gave CCSU the lead at 47-46, its first lead since the opening basket. The teams traded baskets before Kohl but the Blue Devils on top for good, 64-63 with 2:39 to play with a 3-point play.

Thai Segwai had a key steal with a minute to play and Kohl made four free throws in the final seven seconds to seal the win.

George Blagojevic had 19 points for Hartford, which hopes to make its first NCAA Tournament this year.