Balanced Attack and Aggressive Defense Propel Toledo Past Youngstown State, 92-75

Wednesday, November 19

Toledo, Ohio

7:00 p.m.

University of Toledo

3-2,0-0MAC

Youngstown State

2-3,0-0Horizon

Youngstown St.

Toledo

Freshman Leroy Blyden Jr. tallied 18 points, five assists and four steals in Toledo's 92-75 win over Youngstown State.

Photo by: Dejay Mcnear

Balanced Attack and Aggressive Defense Propel Toledo Past Youngstown State, 92-75

11/19/2025 10:27:00 PM | Men's Basketball

Box Score Final Stats (PDF)

Leroy Blyden Jr. and Sean Craig lead way with 18 points apiece as eight Rockets score seven or more points

TOLEDO, Ohio – Five Rockets scored in double figures and Toledo forced a season-high 22 turnovers in a convincing 92-75 victory over Youngstown State on Wednesday night in Savage Arena. The Rockets improved to 3-2 overall with their third straight victory, while the Penguins dropped to 2-3.

Toledo showcased its offensive depth and efficiency, shooting 54.2% from the field and 84.6% at the free-throw line as eight different Rockets scored seven or more points. UT held a 31-10 advantage in points off turnovers and a 52-32 cushion in points in the paint.

Freshman Leroy Blyden Jr. and senior Sean Craig paced Toledo with 18 points apiece, with Craig grabbing a season-best 12 rebounds for his first double-double as a Rocket. Blyden also tallied five assists and a game-high four steals.

Junior Sonny Wilson chipped in 11 points and five assists, while Austin Parks provided a strong interior presence with 10 points and five boards. Toledo's bench was impactful as well, contributing 28 points thanks to the performances of freshman Will James Jr. (10 pts.), sophomore Chris Riddle (9 pts.) and sophomore Jaylan Ouwinga (7 pts.) Riddle was playing his first game as a Rocket after sitting out the first four contests due to injury.

Youngstown State was paced by Bryson Dawkins (16 points) and Cris Carroll (14 points),

FIRST HALF
The game featured five lead changes early before Wilson's three-pointer capped off a 7-0 run for a 33-23 advantage at the 3:54 mark. Parks' three-point play put UT up 41-29 with a minute left before the Penguins hit a pair of triples to close out the half.

SECOND HALF
The Rockets seized control midway through in the second half with a 14-4 burst that led to a 65-49 cushion with 11:18 remaining. Parks' thunder dunk pushed UT's lead to 21 three minutes later. Toledo's lead didn't fall below 10 points the remainder of the contest.

QUOTING COACH KOWALCZYK:
"We played fast tonight, and it was great to get some bench production. Having Chris Riddle back on the floor was huge, and Will James had a breakout game as well. We have a chance to be good and it's still November. Our upcoming tournament is going to be a challenge for us with the good competition we'll face. Troy just beat San Diego State, and we're going to have to be ready for a physical game after playing them last year."

ROCKET LEADERS

Leroy Blyden Jr.: 18 pts., 5 asst., 4 stls., 5-8 FG, 3-3 3FG
Sean Craig: 18 pts., 12 reb., 7-11 FG
Sonny Wilson: 11 pts., 5 asst.

TEAM STATS

Field Goal %: Toledo 54.2 | Youngstown State 49.1
Three-Point %: Toledo 40.0 | Youngstown State 37.9
Free Throw %: Toledo 84.6 | Youngstown State 66.7
Rebounds: Toledo 31 | Youngstown State 28
Assists/Turnovers: Toledo 18/13 | Youngstown State 15/22

UP NEXT
Toledo will head to Fort Myers, Fla. to compete in the Geico Coconut Hoops event. The Rockets will face Troy on Monday, Nov. 24 at 11:00 a.m. before meeting either Belmont or Saint Francis (Pa.) on Wednesday, Nov. 26 at 11:00 a.m. or 1:30 p.m.