Wagner beats Central Connecticut 72-59, wins 5th straight

NEW YORK -- JoJo Cooper had 14 points and 12 assists, and Wagner cruised in the second half for a 72-59 victory over Central Connecticut on Thursday night.

Wagner (16-6, 9-2 Northeast Conference) has won five straight and has a two-game lead over four teams tied for second in the conference standings. Central Connecticut (12-12, 5-6) has lost consecutive games since its four-game win streak was snapped.

Romone Saunders and Elijah Davis scored 15 points apiece to lead Wagner. Blake Francis chipped in 13 points.

Tyler Kohl scored 21 points and grabbed 16 rebounds for Central Connecticut. Deion Bute added 14 points and Joe Hugley 10. The Blue Devils shot 20 of 53 from the floor (38 percent), and missed 12 3-pointers and 10 free throws.

Saunders scored eight straight points and finished with 10 during a 15-8 surge to stretch the Seawkawks' lead to 61-50 with 7:28 to play. Central Connecticut pulled within four points, but didn't get closer.