BRIDGEPORT, Conn. -- Justin Sears scored 26 points as Yale erased a huge second half deficit, beating Central Connecticut State 93-77, in the season opener for both schools on Saturday night.

Sears made 10-of-17 shots, grabbed 13 rebounds and blocked four shots in leading Yale to a come-from-behind win. Armani Cotton contributed 17 points and Javier Duren added 16 for the Bulldogs.

Yale jumped out to a 12-2 lead over the Blue Devils but fell behind 47-40 at halftime. The Bulldogs trailed by 17 points with 13 minutes remaining when Yale got the hot hand. Greg Kelly made a 3-pointer with 5:48 left and Yale went up for good at 69-67. CCSU managed just three field goals in the final six minutes.

Kyle Vinales scored 30 points for the CCSU, who were outscored 53-30 in the second half.