The Toledo Rockets Hang Tough, Fall Late To Syracuse

The Toledo Rockets took on the Syracuse Orange in the Hoophill Miami Invitational. Both teams were undefeated in the game, and had just beaten Oakland.

Syracuse started to pull away in the first half when Geno Thorpe hit a layup to put them up, 23-17. Taylor Adaway dunked it and then Jaelan Sanford hit a three to answer the rally. The Orange took the lead up again before Sanford hit another three and Tre'Shaun Fletcher hit 2 more threes to put the Rockets right back in it, and after Sanford hit a three at the end of the half, the Rockets were only down 33-32.

Nate Navigato struck first in the second half, giving the Rockets the lead. Syracuse regained the lead but it remained in single digits for most of the second half, with the Rockets closing to 44-41 with 12 minutes and change to go.

Syracuse kept the lead around 10 for most of the rest of the way, before finally winning, 72-64.

Fletcher, Sanford, Navigato, and Luke Knapke all scored in double digits, and Fletcher led the team with 11 rebounds and 19 points.

Syracuse was led in scoring by Frank Howard with 25.

The Rockets were out rebounded 50-31.

The Rockets only used 7 players most of the night, with the 8th guy only coming in at the last minute because of a foul out. The Rockets were tired and had some threes rim out that might have changed the complexion of the game.