Thompson scores 24, Central Connecticut State takes 61-48 win over Bryant, now 0-24

Central Connecticut State defeats Bryant 61-48

NEW BRITAIN, Conn. — Shemik Thompson scored 24 points and Central Connecticut State rallied to defeat winless Bryant 61-48 on Saturday, sweeping the season series in back-to-back games.

Two days after the Blue Devils (9-14, 6-6 Northeast Conference) held the Bulldogs to a season-low point total in a 60-34 victory, Bryant (0-24, 0-12) jumped out to an eight-point lead and led 24-19 at halftime.

After the Blue Devils opened the second half with a 10-0 run, the Bulldogs tied the game at 30 with 12:27 left, but could not regain the lead. Central Connecticut State hit 9 of 10 free throws in the final 2:06.

Markeys Deans added 12 points for the Blue Devils, who shot 29.2 percent in the first half (7-for-24) and 60.9 percent (14-for-23) in the second. Bryant shot 63.2 percent (12-for-19) in the first half, 33.3 percent (8-for-24) in the second.

Vlad Kondratyev led Bryant with 14 points.