Rockets rocked by Crimson Tide

1/3/2011

TUSCALOOSA, Ala. — Turnovers were costly as an undermanned Toledo squad committed a season-high 25 miscues in an 83-41 defeat at Southeastern Conference foe Alabama (8-6) Tuesday night.

The contest was the Rockets' final nonconference contest prior to opening Mid-American Conference action on Saturday night against Eastern Michigan in Savage Arena.

Junior Jay Shunnar led Toledo with 13 points and a career-high seven rebounds. Freshman Delino Dear tallied nine points for the Rockets, and senior Justin Anyijong added eight.

Senior Charvez Davis and sophomore Tony Mitchell shared team scoring honors for the Crimson Tide with 21 points.

Alabama shot 53.7 percent in the contest and limited the Rockets to a 38.9 field-goal percentage. The hosts also held a 33-22 advantage on the boards.

"Alabama is a very talented and athletic team," Toledo coach Tod Kowalczyk said. "We knew we were going to be outmanned tonight by playing with just four scholarship players and eight total. They are long and athletic and can attack you in a variety of ways, which makes them tough to play against."

Alabama broke the contest open midway through the first half thanks to a 15-0 spurt that put the Crimson Tide up 30-9 with 10:42 remaining in the first stanza.

After going into the locker room trailing by a 44-24 margin, Toledo experienced an offensive drought to start the second half. The Rockets went scoreless for the first 6:42 after intermission as the Crimson Tide extended their advantage to 58-24.