WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. — The University of Toledo lost for the fifth time in six games on Sunday night.
But this wasn’t no-showing against a fellow mid-major or losing handily to one of the best teams in the country.
In a sold-out Mackey Arena — one of college basketball’s most raucous environments — the Rockets acquitted themselves well, perhaps rebuilding their confidence before the Mid-American Conference season despite losing 83-64 to No. 21 Purdue.
The Rockets trailed by 15 in the first half, clawing to within five early in the second half, but ultimately failing to match a Purdue offense that shot nearly 50 percent and made 10 3s.