CLEVELAND — The University of Toledo created more forgettable March memories on Friday.
No. 1 seed Akron outmuscled, outshot, and outplayed the fourth-seeded Rockets to extend UT’s NCAA tournament drought to 45 years.
“It’s never easy to lose a semifinal game,” Toledo coach Tod Kowalczyk said.
To the surprise of no one, Toledo’s dreadful defense let them down in a 100-90 Mid-American Conference tournament semifinal loss. Akron shot 56 percent and made 10 of 18 3-point attempts. Five Zips scored in double figures, led by MAC player of the year Nate Johnson’s career-high 31 points.
The Rockets trailed 70-65 with 11:02 left.