JOHNSON CITY, Tenn. -- Jeromy Rodriguez scored 18 points and grabbed 12 rebounds and Tray Boyd III hit six 3-pointers and added another 18 points off the bench as East Tennessee State kicked off the mainland portion of the Cayman Islands Classic on Monday night, pulling away from Chicago State late for an 86-61 victory.

The victory advances the Buccaneers to face Sam Houston State on Tuesday.

Chicago State led by one at intermission and after ETSU took a one-point lead seconds into the second half, Anthony Harris got to the basket for a layup to put the Cougars up by one. The Buccaneers took charge from there behind two 3-pointers by Boyd. Chicago State hung close, cutting the lead to just two points, 48-46 midway through the final half. East Tennessee State did not take a double-digit lead until 6:28 remained in the game on Mladen Armus' layup.

Patrick Good knocked down 4 of 11 shots from long range and added 14 points for ETSU (3-2).

Harris scored 20 points and Rob Shaw added another 18 for Chicago State (0-6).