TOLEDO, Ohio – Toledo broke the game open with a 24-0 run early in the first half and was never threatened in a 116-59 home exhibition victory over NCAA Division III foe Trine (Ind.) University. The contest served as a tuneup for the Rockets' season opener vs. Atlantic 10 foe Saint Joseph's next Saturday night in Savage Arena at 7:00 p.m.
 
Senior guard Tre'Shaun Fletcher paced UT with 20 points and was joined in double figures by junior forward Nate Navigato (19 pts.), junior forward Taylor Adway (13 pts.) and junior guard Jaelan Sanford (11 pts.).
 
Adway topped the Rockets with nine rebounds as Toledo enjoyed a 46-25 advantage on the boards. UT also registered 27 assists on the day with freshman guard Marreon Jackson leading the way with five helpers.
 
Junior forward Myles Copeland was the Thunder's leading scorer with 21 points.
 
Toledo was red-hot from the field, posting an impressive 66.1 FG% and a 50.0 three-point shooting mark (13-of-26). UT limited Trine to a 35.3 FG% and forced the Thunder to commit 16 turnovers.
 
The visitors jumped out to a quick 7-3 lead before Sanford gave the Rockets the lead for good by hitting three free throws after being fouled on a three-point shot. Toledo's game-deciding spurt was capped off by three straight treys from Navigato, Knapke and Fletcher resulting in a 27-7 cushion with 11:11 to play in the first half.
 
The Rockets held a 56-18 advantage at halftime after posting a 58.6 field-goal percentage, including a 7-of-15 performance behind the three-point arc, in the opening 20 minutes.