UT falls to Western Michigan, 98-77

Toledo's Jonathan Williams (1) drives through a cluster of Western Michigan defenders, including Austin Richie (22) in the first half.

CLEVELAND — Western Michigan dashed the University of Toledo's NCAA tournament hopes today, dealing the Rockets a 98-77 loss in the finals of the Mid-American Conference tournament.

UT never led after trailing by two points at halftime.

The Rockets' drought of not appearing in the NCAA tournament will extend to 35 years unless they receive an unexpected at-large bid on Sunday.

Rian Pearson and Julius Brown scored 22 a piece for the Rockets.

WMU, which is heading to the NCAA tournament for the first time since winning the MAC title in 2004, received 32 points from David Brown. Shayne Whittington added 20 points and 13 rebounds.