HUNTSVILLE, Texas (AP) Larry Austin Jr. scored 23 points, distributed seven assists and collected six rebounds and Central Michigan Chippewas turned it on in the second half to beat Sam Houston State Bearkats 81-65 on Wednesday.

Austin filled the state line shooting 8 of 12 from the floor and 7 of 8 from the foul line despite seven turnovers.

Sam Houston State outscored the Chippewas 19-9 in a little more than the last eight minutes of the first half for a 39-30 lead. After halftime, Central Michigan (6-1) put together a 15-5 run and took a 45-44 lead on Kevin McKay's layup with 12:16 remaining. Josh Delaney tied it with a 3 for the Bearkats to make it 50-all, but Shawn Roundtree made back-to-back 3-pointers and David DiLeo added a 3 and the Chippewas led 59-50. Cameron Delaney made a 3-pointer to narrow the deficit to six but Sam Houston State (3-5) never got closer.

McKay scored 18 points, Roundtree, 14 and DiLeo 10.

Chad Bowie led the Bearkats with 21 points and seven rebounds and Cameron Delaney scored 13.

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