MOUNT PLEASANT, Mich. (AP) -- Kyle Randall scored a career-high 24 points, helping Central Michigan thwart a late Niagara rally and hold on for a 66-64 victory Sunday.

Randall, a senior who transferred from North Carolina-Greensboro before this season, was 7 of 12 from the field, including two 3-pointers, and 8 of 9 from the line. John Simons added 12 points and Chris Fowler had 11 for the Chippewas (4-3), who led by as many as 20 in the first half.

The Purple Eagles (2-5) erased that lead after halftime, and T.J. Cline's tip-in with 7 minutes to play gave Niagara its first lead, 50-49. Central Michigan retook the lead for good on Fowler's two free throws with 1:32 left, and the Chippewas made just enough foul shots in the final minute to secure the victory.

Antoine Mason led Niagara with 24 points, and Juan'ya Green added 12. Cline had nine points and 11 rebounds.

© 2012 STATS LLC