UT opens with exhibition victory

10/27/2012

Just four days after holding its first official practice, the University of Toledo men’s basketball team posted a 75-52 victory over NAIA foe Northwestern Ohio on Friday evening at Savage Arena.

“I thought we were a little rusty at times but I was pleased with our effort overall,” said coach Tod Kowalczyk. “We’re coming together and getting better even though we’ve only had three practices. Our defense is ahead of our offense right now but that’s what you expect this early in the season.”

Freshman center Nathan Boothe led the Rockets with a game-high 15 points, with Reese Holliday and Julius Brown joining him in double figures with 13 points each.

The Rockets’ leading returning scorer, Rian Pearson, did not play due to a coach’s decision.

Boothe was 6 of 9 from the field and made the only 3-pointer he took. He added four rebounds, two steals, and one blocked shot.

After shooting 31.4 percent from the field in the first half, UT shot 51.5 in the second stanza to finish with a 41.2 mark for the game.