Mulkey helps Buffalo rout Central Michigan 72-43

BUFFALO, N.Y. – Byron Mulkey scored a career-high 29 points and Buffalo routed Central Michigan 72-43 on Tuesday night.

The Bulls (15-7, 7-3 Mid-American Conference), coming off Saturday's 72-71 loss to Ball State that snapped their six-game winning streak, jumped out to a 26-10 lead.

The Chippewas (6-17, 3-7) closed to 33-21 at halftime, then fell behind by 30 as they scored only seven points in the first 12:43 of the second half.

Mulkey was 9 of 13 from the field, including 4 of 6 3-pointers, and made 7 of 8 free throws.

Zach Filzen added 15 points for Buffalo, which shot 46 percent from the field (23 of 50) and hit 9 of 21 3-pointers.

The cold-shooting Chippewas, who have lost five of their last six, shot 27.3 percent (15 of 55), making 1 of 12 from long range.

Jalin Thomas led Central Michigan with 18 points, hitting 4 of 16 field goals and 10 of 11 free throws.