DETROIT (AP) -- Brandon Cotton scored 17 points to help Detroit Mercy beat Cleveland State 67-52 on Wednesday night in a Horizon League game.
The Titans (10-14, 7-7) improved their chances of hosting a first-round playoff game next month. The Titans have won 11 of the last 12 meetings, including all five games played on their home court.
Raheem Moss had 13 points to lead the Vikings (9-13, 6-8).
The Vikings led 39-38 six minutes into the second half, but managed just two free throws during the next six minutes. In the same span, the Titans scored 16 points to take control of the game.
Chuck Bailey's layup started the run and gave Detroit the lead for good, and a Cotton basket pushed the Titans advantage into double digits with eight minutes to play. James Thues added 13 points and five rebounds.
Cleveland State's Omari Westley was benched in the first half by coach Mike Garland for an unspecified violation of team rules. He went on to play nearly all of the second half and scored 12 points.
