NEW BRITAIN, Conn. (Interstat) — Darin Smith scored 24 points to lead Central Connecticut to a 78-67 men’s basketball victory over Chicago State on Thursday night at William H. Detrick Gymnasium.

The Blue Devils (12-10) took a 35-28 lead into halftime and maintained control throughout the second half. Smith, a 6-foot-7 forward from Springfield, Massachusetts, added one assist in 33 minutes. Jay Rodgers facilitated the offense with 13 assists for Central Connecticut.

CJ Ray led the Cougars (3-20) with 22 points and three assists. Marcus Tankersley added 15 points for Chicago State, which capitalized on turnovers for 22 points but could not close the gap. Attendance was 914.