2017 MAC Men’s Basketball Recap: Toledo Rockets at Bowling Green Falcons

The Toledo Rockets jumped out to an early 12-2 lead, before the Falcons battled back, only trailing at the half, 43-39.

There was a similar story after the break. The Rockets jumped out to 9 point lead, 51-42.

As they did in the first half, Bowling Green fought back. They took the lead with 6:49 on a Zack Denny three.

Both teams refused to yield. After a Nate Navigato foul, Demajeo Wiggins was at the line with a chance to go up 3 with 1:31 to go. A 37.9% free throw shooter a year ago, he sank both.

Jon-Jon Williams, who is having a fantastic senior year, was able to knock down a three to tie it up.

The Falcons tried to answer with a long Zack Denny jumper, but it went in and out. Demajeo Wiggins was able to tip out the rebound, however the Rockets were able to secure the ball with 38 seconds left.

Steve Taylor was able to get a hook shot off over Wiggins, but it slid off the side of the rim.

Bowling Green drove the length of the floor with 8 seconds left. The Rocket’s defense recovered, forcing a turnover out of bounds, and bringing the game to overtime.

As they did the first two halves, the Rockets jumped out to a lead in overtime. Williams was fouled on a three point attempt, and knocked down all three free throws to put the Rockets up by 7 with 1:48.

The Falcons, led by Wes Alcegaire, battled back yet again. With his toe on the line, he hit a long jumper, to bring the Falcons within 1, 87-86.

After Jaelan Sanford hit a tough jumper on the wing, Bowling Green had 12 seconds to tie it up. Zack Denny did exactly that from 5 feet beyond the arc. The Rockets raced the ball down the court and Sanford got a tough shot off from 6 feet out, that barely missed. Double overtime.

Alcegaire had 8 points in the final 3 minutes of the first overtime.

Jordan Lauf hit a huge three to put the Rockets up by 3 with 2:26 left in double-overtime.

After Denny hit a couple of free throws and Sanford hit a layup, Denny hit a huge three to tie it up. Sanford then went one for one from the line.

Denny hit another huge three, putting the Falcons up 2. After a great defensive play by Denny, he iced the game at the line, and the Falcons won, 104-100.

Taylor led the Rockets with 25 points and 13 rebounds. Williams added 24 points, and Sanford 21. Navigato also had a great game, with 16 points on 5 of 7 shooting and grabbed 7 boards.

Denny and Alcegaire both deserved game balls by their clutch play late. Denny finished with 28 and Alecgaire 22. They combined to go 7-7 from three. Wiggins added 18 and 7 rebounds.

The Rockets dropped to 11-12 on the season, and 4-6 in the conference. They host Eastern Michigan next.

Bowling Green moved to 10-13 on the season, and are also 4-6 in the MAC. They head to Kent next.