March 4, 2007

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TOLEDO, Ohio (AP) - Senior forward Keonta Howell registered a game-high 19 points and seven rebounds and three other Toledo players scored in double digits as the Rockets beat Central Michigan 77-57 and clinched their first outright Mid-American Conference regular-season title in 27 years.

Sophomore guard Ridley Johnson added 13 points and six boards, senior guard Justin Ingram tallied 12 points and a team-high five assists and sophomore Jonathan Amos scored 11 points for Toledo (18-11, 14-2).

The Rockets took a 44-25 advantage at halftime and led by as much as 23 points in the second half.

Giordan Watson led Central Michigan (12-17, 7-9) with 16 points and Jordan Bitzer added 10. Justin Blevins had six rebounds.

The Chippewas shot 42 percent (19-of-45), while Toledo shot 43 percent (26-of-61). The Rockets outrebounded the Chippewas 38-29 and scored 21 points off 23 Central Michigan turnovers.

Toledo will receive a bye in the first round of the 2007 MAC Tournament on Wednesday, March 7. The Rockets will face either No. 8 seed Eastern Michigan or No. 9 seed Ball State in the quarterfinals at noon on Thursday, March 8.

Individuals wishing to purchase University of Toledo 2007 MAC Chapionship T-Shirts for only $15 call 419-530-5432 or 419-530-5433.