Down by one (29-28) at intermission, the Bobcats kicked their offense into high gear, sroring 53 ponts while hitting 56 percent of their shots in the second stanza. That included 8 of 13 (61.5%) from beyond the arc.
Ohio (20-4, 11-2 MAC) went 12 of 24 on treys overall, with Sears and Tommy Schmock (16 points) both nettng 4 of 6 long distance shots.
Central Michigan's Kevin Miller earned game-high honors with 25 points. That included 10 (of 12) at the free throw line. Harrison Henderson followed with 16 points (9 rebounds), while Brian Taylor added 12 points.
CMU (6-15, 5-12 MAC) started the second half with two baskets to go up 34-28, but Ohio then went on a 22-6 run to take a double-digit lead (50-40) with 10:45 to go. The Chippewas pulled with five with 31 seconds left, but Ohio tallied six of the game's last eight points -- all at the free throw line.
It was a bounce-back win for the Bobcats, who fell at Toledo Tuesday but have won six of their last eight. In fact, Ohio's only two losses in conference play were both against Toledo. Central Michigan has gone 3-3 since the postponement of four straight games starting Jan. 15.