Dec. 16, 2006

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TOLEDO, Ohio (AP) - Senior Keonta Howell scored 20 points Saturday night to lead Toledo to a 77-74 win over UNC Wilmington in its home opener.

Todd Hendley's jumper with 18 seconds left cut Toledo's lead to 76-74.

After Howell hit a free throw, Temi Soyebo missed a potential game-tying three-point shot as time expired.

Sophomore Tyrone Kent tied his career high with 16 points and grabbed a career-best seven rebounds for Toledo (3-5), while seniors Florentino Valencia and Justin Ingram added 11 apiece.

Vladimir Kuljanin led the Seahawks (3-6) with 23 points and six rebounds, Daniel Fountain scored 16 points and Montez Downey added 13. Kuljanin was a perfect 11-of-11 from the field to set a Savage Hall record.

The Rockets held a lead for much of the contest including a 64-55 advantage following two Howell free throws with 7:25 to play. But the Seahawks never gave up and crept within 74-72 with 42 seconds remaining. Valencia hit two free throws to make it a two-possession game.

Toledo returns to action on Tuesday, Dec. 19 when it hosts Detroit (2-7, 0-1 Horizon) at 7:00 p.m.