Feb. 4, 2006

Final Stats |  Quotes |  Notes

TOLEDO, Ohio (AP) - A layup by junior forward Florentino Valencia gave Toledo a double-digit lead less than five minutes into the second half, and the Rockets led by at least 10 the rest of the way en route to a 78-62 victory over Central Michigan on Saturday night.

Valencia was 9-of-10 from the field and tied his career high with 23 points for Toledo (11-9, 4-8 Mid-American Conference). Junior guard Keonta Howell added 19.

Sefton Barrett led Central Michigan (3-17, 1-11) with 17 points and 12 rebounds. Justin Blevins had 14 points, and Giordan Watson had 12.

Valencia hit a jumper inside the first half minute of play and Toledo never trailed in the game, although the Chippewas tied once at 26 on a pair of free throws by Chris Kellerman.

Toledo then put together an 11-1 run, and Central Michigan went the final seven minutes of the half without a field goal.

The Rockets return to action on Tuesday, Feb. 7 with a matchup vs. MAC East Division leader Kent State (16-6, 10-1 MAC). The contest will be televised live on FoxSports Ohio and will tip off at 8:00 p.m.