MUNCIE, Ind. — The University of Toledo men’s basketball team outscored Ball State by 14 points in the second half to secure a 93-75 Mid-American Conference victory Saturday at Worthen Arena.
The Rockets shot 53.7 percent from the field (36 of 67) and hit 15 of 17 free throws, including all eight of their free throws in the second half, in defeating the Cardinals.
"It was a high-level game played by both teams today," Toledo coach Tod Kowalczyk said. "I thought both teams played well, and we were unbelievably efficient on the offensive end."
Rebounding was a strong point for Toledo on Saturday, with the Rockets claiming a 37-26 advantage on the boards (22-6 in the second half). Fifteen of Toledo’s rebounds were on the offensive end, while Ball State managed just eight offensive rebounds.
Toledo (10-7, 4-1 MAC) had 11 points off turnovers to Ball State’s three, and the Rockets had 26 second-chance points to the Cardinals’ seven.
That rebounding advantage came about as Ball State struggled from the perimeter and at the free-throw line. While the Cardinals matched the Rockets’ field-goal percentage (29 of 54), they hit just 4 of 16 attempts from 3-point range, going 1 of 7 from deep in the second half.
Ball State (8-9, 2-3) also made just 13 of 21 free throws (61.9 percent), including 6 of 11 (54.6 percent) in the second half.
Toledo had its usual balanced scoring effort, with Sam Lewis leading the way with 21 points and Isaiah Adams scoring 20. Javan Simmons had 16 points and 12 rebounds, with the rebounds split evenly between the offensive and defensive ends. Sonny Wilson had 15 points and seven rebounds, while Bryce Ford recorded 12 points and seven boards.
Ball State also had five players in double figures, paced by Payton Sparks’ 20-point, nine-rebound effort. Jermahri Hill had 17 points, Mickey Pearson, Jr., and Ethan Brittain-Watts 12 each, and Juanse Gorosito 10.
Toledo hosts Kent State at 7 p.m. Tuesday before heading to Bowling Green for a 6 p.m. nationally televised matchup Friday. The Rockets sit tied for third in the MAC with Ohio, a game behind Akron and Miami (Ohio), who are both unbeaten in conference play.
First Published January 18, 2025, 10:37 p.m.
