Feb. 14, 2001

Box Score| Quotes| Notes

MOUNT PLEASANT, MI - Heartbreaking may be the best word to describe Toledo's 70-68 loss to Central Michigan tonight at Rose Arena.

After battling back and forth with the Chippewas, the contest appeared headed to overtime following senior center's Craig Rodgers' two free throws with five seconds remaining.

But the Chippewas' Chad Pleiness hit a 12-footer along the baseline at the buzzer to give CMU the victory and a share of the MAC's West Division title.

With the victory, CMU improved to 18-4 overall and 12-1 in the MAC and extended its winning streak to 11 games. Toledo falls to 15-9 overall and 7-6 in the MAC.

The Rockets held a 59-55 advantage with 5:05 to play but a 5-0 run gave CMU a 60-59 lead with 4:10 to play. After the lead exchanged hands twice, senior forward Greg Stempin tied the contest at 62-62 by hitting one of two free throws with 2:36 to play.

David Webber then hit a three to give CMU a 65-62 lead with 2:22 remaining, but Stempin answered with a pair of free throws to bring UT within one with 1:45 left on the clock. Tim Kisner then hit another three to extend CMU's lead to four, 68-64, with 1:10 remaining. Rodgers then put back an offensive rebound to bring the Rockets within 68-66 and set the stage for a dramatic ending.

Webber scored a game-high 26 points to lead CMU, while Stempin tallied a team-high 15 points for the Rockets. Senior guard Rory Jones (14 points), Rodgers (12 points) and freshman guard Terry Reynolds (10 points) also scored in double figures for UT.

Toledo returns home on Saturday, Feb. 17 to host Western Michigan (4-18, 4-9 MAC) at Savage Hall. Tipoff is set for 2:00 p.m.