Rockets lose to Northern Illinois in final seconds

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DeKALB, Ill. - The University of Toledo men's basketball team lost by two points to Northern Illinois on a putback with two seconds left Thursday night.

With the game tied and six seconds remaining, the Huskies' Darion Anderson stole the ball away from Malcolm Griffin.

Xavier Silas then tipped in Anderson's ensuing lay-up miss to give NIU a two-point lead with less than two seconds remaining.

Toledo's Jake Barnett missed a desperation 3-pointer on the final play, and Northern Illinois hung on for 60-58 win.

Griffin led the Rockets (4-27 overall, 1-15 Mid-American Conference) with 19 points.

Justin Anyijong added 14 and Jake Barnet chipped in with 11 points.

Anijong also pulled down a game-high 10 rebounds.

Toledo connected on 51 percent of its shots (25 of 49) but made just 4 of 16 from beyond the arc.

Northern Illinois dominated on the glass, finishing with a 41-26 edge on the boards.

The teams each had just 12 turnovers.

Silas led all scorers with 24 points for the Huskies (10-19, 6-10).

Toledo's opponent for the first round of the MAC tournament will be determined by the outcome of tonight's Akron-Kent State contest.

If the Zips win, UT will travel to No. 5 seed Miami.

If the Golden Flashes are victorious, the Rockets will visit No. 5 seed Buffalo.

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