Cent. Michigan 62, E. Michigan 49

Published Mar. 10, 2009 8:30 p.m. ET

foxsports

Marcus Van scored 17 points and Robbie Harman added 13 to lead Central Michigan to a 62-49 win over Eastern Michigan in a first round game of the Mid-American Conference tournament Tuesday afternoon. Central Michigan (12-18) took the lead for good midway through the first half and went on a 16-6 run in the second to take a 48-35 lead. Eastern Michigan (8-24) immediately scored seven straight points to get to within six with 6:41 left, but couldn't get closer. Jacolby Hardiman responded with two baskets and Van converted a pair of 3-point plays over the next several minutes to secure the win. Hardiman finished with 11 points for the seventh-seeded Chippewas, which take on No. 2 seed Ball State in Thursday's quarterfinals. Brandon Bowdry led Eastern Michigan, the No. 10 seed, with 13 points while Antonio Green added 11 points.