KALAMAZOO, Mich. – Cleveland State shot 57-percent from the field and hit 13 three-pointers as the Vikings rolled to an 86-57 victory at Western Michigan in the first round of the CollegeInsider.com Tournament on Wednesday night.
The 13 three-pointers were one shy of equaling the CSU single game record.
The Vikings improved to 19-14 overall, while WMU concludes its season at 20-14.
CSU advances to the second round of the CIT and will play at NJIT on Monday night at 7:00 p.m.
Charlie Lee led the Vikings with 28 points and seven assists. He hit 10-of-13 from the field, including 8-of-11 from three-point, one shy of equaling the single game school record for three-pointers.
Anton Grady added his 10th double-double of the season with 21 points and tying his career-highs in rebounds (14) and assists (6). Marlin Mason tallied 13 points and four rebounds, while Trey Lewis finished with 13 points and three rebounds.
Kaza Keane made four steals to lead the CSU defense, which held WMU to .309 (17-55) shooting from the field.
The Vikings used a hot shooting first half to take a 49-31 lead after 20 minutes. CSU hit 20-of-32 (.625) from the floor in the opening stanza, including 8-of-14 (.571) from three-point. Lee did most of the damage from behind the arc, hitting 6-of-7 in the first half en route to 20 first half points.
CSU continued its torrid shooting in the second half, hitting 14-of-28 (.500) from the floor as the Vikings led for 38:24 of the contest.
CSU advances to the second round of the CIT and will find out its opponent after the conclusion of all 16 first round games.
