TOLEDO, Ohio – Seniors Marreon Jackson and Spencer Littleson each produced standout performances on Tuesday evening to lead Toledo to an 87-75 home victory over Miami. The victory improved the first-place Rockets to 17-6 overall and 12-3 in Mid-American Conference play and secured them a spot in the 2021 MAC Tournament in Cleveland in March.

Jackson tallied 18 points, a career-high 11 assists and 10 rebounds for the fourth triple-double in program history. He joined former Rockets Nathan Boothe, Tre'Shaun Fletcher and Luke Knapke who previously achieved the feat under Head Coach Tod Kowalczyk.

"It was a special night for Marreon," said Kowalczyk after Toledo's 15th straight victory over Miami. "I'm extremely proud that our coaching staff has coached each of the four players who have had triple-doubles because this program has such a rich, storied tradition."

Littleson did his damage with his long-range shooting prowess and strong defensive play. He poured in a game-high 25 points on 7-of-14 shooting from behind the three-point arc and helped limit Dae Dae Grant, the MAC's leader in 3PTFG% (53.6%) in league play, to a 3-of-13 outing from three-point range.

"Spencer had an unbelievable night at both ends of the floor," Kowalczyk said. "He did a great job of locking Dae Dae Grant up and making him work for his points."

Joining the Rockets' senior duo in double digits were freshman Ryan Rollins (12 pts.), junior JT Shumate (11 pts.) and sophomore Keshaun Saunders (10 pts.).

Senior Dalonte Brown led Miami with 21 points and a game-high 11 rebounds.

Toledo shot 49.1 percent from the field, hit 15-of-34 three-point attempts (44.1 percent) and was 16-of-20 (80.0) from the charity stripe. The Rockets limited the RedHawks to a 38.2 shooting mark and an 11-of-35 (31.4 percent) clip behind the three-point arc.

Toledo returns to action on Friday, Feb. 19 with a road game at Buffalo (9-6, 7-4 MAC). The contest will be televised live nationally on ESPN2 at 9:00 p.m.

HOW IT HAPPENED

FIRST HALF

• The lead changed hands 10 times in the first eight minutes before Toledo took a 32-22 lead with 7:27 to play in the first half thanks to a 12-1 spurt.
• Spencer Littleson capped off the run with a pair of three-point field goals to force Miami to take the game's first timeout.
• Keshaun Saunders' three-pointer increased Toledo's margin to 37-24 just over a minute later.
• Miami trimmed the Rockets' lead to 43-37 on a pair of triples from Isaiah Coleman-Lands 1:22 before the half.
• Toledo took a 46-37 lead to the locker room after shooting 50.0 percent from the field and knocking down 9-of-19 three-point attempts in the opening 20 minutes.

SECOND HALF

• Ryan Rollins' layup and Littleson's three-pointer on the Rockets' first two possessions of the second half increased Toledo's lead to 51-37.
• Back-to-back Littleson triples increased the Rockets' cushion to 20 points (65-45) for the first time with 13:28 to play.
• Toledo held an 82-60 lead with 4:07 left before the RedHawks scored 13 unanswered points to reduce their deficit to 82-73 at the 1:04 mark.
• The Rockets proceeded to hit five of six free-throw attempts in the final minute to secure the victory.

INSIDE THE NUMBERS

• Toledo's 15 three-point field goals were two shy of a school record
• Five or more Rockets have scored in double digits on eight occasions this season.
• Marreon Jackson is averaging 10.8 rpg over his last five games.
• JT Shumate was 3-of-3 from the field and made all 14 of his shots vs. the RedHawks this season.
• Keshaun Saunders has scored in double digits in four of his last five games.

Highlights from Toledo's win over Miami.


Head Coach Tod Kowalcyzk post-game.


Senior Marreon Jackson post-game.


Senior Spencer Littleson post-game.