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MOUNT PLEASANT, Mich. (AP) -- Kevin Nelson and Sefton Barrett scored 24 points apiece to lead Central Michigan past Cleveland State 79-70 Saturday afternoon.
The Vikings (9-14) led by as many as 14 in the first half thanks to a 19-1 run and took a 10-point lead into halftime, but the Chippewas (9-15) hit nearly 54 percent from the field in the second half, while the Vikings struggled to hit just 33 percent.
Central Michigan took its first lead 53-50 with 9:56 remaining on a 3-pointer by Nelson and never trailed again.
The Vikings cut the lead to 60-59 with 5:23 left on an Omari Westley free throw, but the Chippewas quickly ran the lead back to five on the way to their second straight win.
Nelson and Barrett, who pulled down six rebounds, were the only Central Michigan players in double figures. Tom Pantlind scored nine and Tony Bowne added seven points and seven rebounds.
Westley led the Vikings with 21 points and eight rebounds, Mike Redell added 16 points and Steve Gansey chipped in 14.
