NEW BRITAIN, Conn. (Interstat) — Jay Rodgers scored 21 points and Darin Smith added 22 as Central Connecticut defeated Stonehill 76-69 in a Northeast Conference men’s basketball game Thursday night at William H. Detrick Gymnasium.

The Blue Devils led 31-24 at halftime and maintained control despite a 45-point second half from the Skyhawks. Central Connecticut shot 53.2% from the floor and made 20 of 24 free throws, crucial in a game where both teams scored 45 points after intermission.

Hermann Koffi led Stonehill with 17 points, while Davante Hackett scored 19. The Skyhawks, who outrebounded Central Connecticut 11-5 on the offensive glass, fell to 3-12. The Blue Devils improved to 8-6. Attendance was 761.