HACKENSACK, N.J. (Interstat) — Central Connecticut built a first-half lead and withstood a late push to defeat Fairleigh Dickinson 63-57 in a Northeast Conference men’s basketball game Saturday at Rothman Center.

The Blue Devils led 30-25 at halftime and maintained control despite a combined 16 points from Fairleigh Dickinson’s Arthur Cox in the second half. Central Connecticut’s Max Frazier posted a double-double with 10 points and 14 rebounds. Darin Smith led all scorers with 17 points for the Blue Devils.

Both teams struggled from the field, with Fairleigh Dickinson shooting just 4 of 24 from three-point range. Central Connecticut secured the win by making 16 of 17 free throws. The Knights’ Joey Niesman added 12 points in the loss.

Central Connecticut improved to 15-10 overall. Fairleigh Dickinson fell to 10-17.