Mid-American Conference Tournament Quarterfinals: No. 8 Eastern Michigan blew an opportunity to upset No. 1 Toledo by committing 21 turnovers, which led to the Rockets’ 62-54 quarterfinal victory. In comparison, Toledo turned it over only seven times, which helped the Rockets overcome a dismal 39.3 percent field goal shooting day. Toledo also allowed Eastern Michigan to grab 41 rebounds. Senior Justin Ingram led a balanced Toledo scoring attack with 14 points, one of four Rockets to reach double figures.
No. 4 Miami, Ohio, slammed No. 5 Ohio 70-51 to advance to the semifinals against No. 1 Toledo. The RedHawks wasted no time establishing their dominance and led 39-21 at halftime. Tim Pollitz led Miami with 25 points, connecting on 11-of-14 field goal attempts. Pollitz also grabbed 10 rebounds, helping Miami dominate the boards, 27-18. Miami didn’t need to collect many offensive rebounds, however, because the RedHawks shot beter than 60 percent from the field.
No. 2 Akron handled No. 7 Central Michigan 82-53 in the quarterfinals. Romeo Davis led the Zips with 16 points, one of five Akron players to reach double figures in scoring. Akron shot better than 60 percent from the field, while holding the Chippewas to 30.9 percent. The Zips expanded its 11-point lead throughout the second half, keeping Central Michigan at arm’s length until the final horn.
No. 3 Kent State took No. 6 Western Michigan’s best shot and didn’t fall, outlasting the Broncos 75-66. The Golden Flashes will play Akron in the semifinals. Senior Omni Smith was Kent State’s top scorer with 14 points. Western Michigan looked poised to avenge Sunday’s loss to Kent State when the Broncos led 45-40 at the intermission. But the Golden Flashes started the second half with a 16-3 run and held off Western Michigan’s comeback attempts. [3/08/07]
