University of Toledo
Siena
Men's Basketball: Toledo Holds Off Siena Rally to Post 59-55 Triumph in Home Opener
12/3/2002 12:00:00 PM | Men's Basketball
Dec 3, 2002
TOLEDO, OH - Toledo (2-3) utilized a fast start tonight en route to a 59-55 victory over Siena (3-1) in its home opener and its 10th straight home win dating back to the 2001-02 campaign. Senior guard Nick Moore paced the Rockets' attack with 18 points and came up with a pair of key steals in the final two minutes to secure the victory.
Toledo dominated the first half and led by 19 points on two occasions. The Saints rallied before intermission by hitting a pair of three-pointers, including a desperation heave from beyond halfcourt by guard Antoine Jordan, to cut UT's lead to 38-25.
The Rockets looked to be in control for much of the second half and held a 52-40 lead with 9:40 remaining when the Saints went on an 8-0 run to cut UT's lead to four. Moore then hit a three with 4:16 remaining to put Toledo up six but Siena answered back with layups by Jamal Jackson and Michael Haddix to come within two with 2:46 left in the game.
Both teams then turned the ball over on their next three possessions before Moore sealed the victory with a pair of free throws with seven seconds remaining.
In addition to Moore, junior Keith Triplett (14 pts.) and redshirt freshman Sammy Villegas (11 pts.) and Anton Currie (10 pts.) scored in double figures for the Rockets. Triplett led UT with six rebounds, while Villegas notched a team- and season-high five assists.
Sophomore Tommy Mitchell and junior Austin Andrews led Siena with 14 and 12 points, respectively. The Rockets held the Saints' two leading scorers, Michael Haddix (nine) and Prosper Karangwa (zero, 0-7 FG) to a total of nine points.
Toledo will return to action on Saturday, Dec. 7 for its Mid-American Conference opener vs. East Division favorite Ohio. Tipoff is set for 7:00 p.m. at Savage Hall.
