The Rockets' victory moves them into tomorrow night's semifinals vs. Louisiana at 7:30 p.m. The Ragin' Cajuns were equally impressive tonight with a 91-73 triumph over Colorado State.
Five Rockets scored in double digits with senior Jaelan Sanford leading the way with 18 points, a team-high five assists and zero turnovers. Joining Sanford in double figures was senior Chris Darrington (14 pts.),
junior Luke Knapke (13 pts.), sophomore Marreon Jackson (12 pts.) and junior Willie Jackson (11 pts.). Knapke and Willie Jackson also helped UT dominate the glass by a 40-28 margin.
Toledo shot the ball efficiently the entire evening, finishing with a 50.9 field-goal percentage, a 57.1 three-point FG% (12-of-21) and an 83.3 free-throw percentage (20-of-24).
The Rockets also produced a strong defensive effort, especially in the opening 20 minutes when FGCU could only muster a 33.3 shooting mark. The Eagles finished the contest with a 42.9 shooting mark and were just 5-of-18 (27.8 percent) from three-point range.
FIRST HALF
Senior Nate Navigato keyed a quick start with a pair of treys in the first four minutes to give the Rockets a 15-7 lead.
Following a 9-2 Eagle spurt, sophomore Dylan Alderson drilled a three-point field goal to give Toledo a 20-16 advantage with 11:07 remaining in the half.
Toledo took control of the contest by closing out the half a 17-3 run in the final 8:30.
Back-to-back treys from Marreon Jackson and sophomore Spencer Littleson ignited the burst and forced FGCU to take a timeout with UT leading 31-22 with 6:38 to play in the opening stanza.
Knapke delivered an emphatic ending to the half with a dunk at the buzzer for a 42-25 lead.
SECOND HALF
Six different Rockets scored in the opening five minutes of the second half to increase Toledo's lead to 22 points, 56-34.
FGCU rallied midway through the half with a 14-3 run to cut UT's lead to 17 points, 76-59, with 4:39 to play.
Toledo closed out the game strong by outscoring FGCU by a 14-3 margin.
INSIDE THE NUMBERS
Five Rockets scored in double figures for the third time this season.
Toledo made 10 or more three-point field goals for the third straight game.
Toledo enjoyed a significant 24-4 advantage in points off turnovers.