MOUNT PLEASANT, Mich. (Interstat) — In a game defined by a dominant first-half performance from the home team and a gritty, methodical second-half response from the visitors, the Toledo Rockets erased a 10-point halftime deficit to edge the Central Michigan Chippewas 78-75 in a Mid-American Conference men’s basketball game Saturday at McGuirk Arena.

The victory improved Toledo’s record to 8-6 overall, while Central Michigan fell to 4-11.

The narrative of the contest was one of starkly contrasting halves. Central Michigan, energized by a home crowd of 1,342, seized control early. The Chippewas shot efficiently from the field and from beyond the arc in the opening period, building a lead that grew as large as 12 points. They took a 41-31 advantage into the locker room, fueled by balanced scoring and a 19-8 edge in points off turnovers.

The second half, however, belonged entirely to Toledo. The Rockets tightened their defense, significantly slowing Central Michigan’s offensive flow. More critically, Toledo began a relentless parade to the free-throw line, exploiting their size advantage and attacking the basket. After attempting just 10 free throws in the first half, the Rockets shot 22 in the second, making 18.

The comeback was a collective effort, but spearheaded by guard Kyler VanderJagt. The Grand Rapids, Michigan, native scored 23 of his game-high total in the second half, including 11 from the foul line. His ability to draw contact and convert at the stripe was the engine of the Toledo rally. He finished having played 32 minutes.

Alongside VanderJagt, forward Austin Parks posted a double-double with 15 points and 11 rebounds, providing crucial interior presence. Guard Sonny Wilson added 16 points, six rebounds and five assists, and forward Sean Craig contributed 11 points and eight rebounds.

Central Michigan’s offense, so fluid before halftime, stagnated after the break. The Chippewas were held to 34 second-half points on 34.5% shooting from the field. Guard Phat Phat Brooks led the team with 17 points, while Logan McIntire added 15, all from three-point range. Center Nathan Claerbaut scored 13 and blocked two shots, but the team’s inability to secure defensive rebounds—Toledo grabbed 11 offensive boards to Central Michigan’s two—proved costly in the closing minutes.

The most critical sequence of the game occurred in the final 30 seconds with Toledo clinging to a 73-71 lead. After a Central Michigan miss, the Rockets worked the clock before VanderJagt drove for a layup to extend the lead to four with 13 seconds remaining. Following a quick Chippewa basket by Brooks to cut it back to two, Toledo successfully inbounded the ball and forced Central Michigan to foul. Wilson sank two free throws with six seconds left to seal the three-point victory.

Statistically, the game was won at the free-throw line and on the glass. Toledo shot 26 for 32 from the stripe, while Central Michigan attempted only 12 free throws, making nine. The Rockets’ 11 offensive rebounds led to 14 second-chance points, a key margin in a tight game. Both teams struggled with ball movement, registering only four assists each.

Toledo, which entered the game as an 8.5-point favorite according to sportsbooks, overcame a pregame win probability of 66.7% as calculated by Interstat’s ELO system. The combined score of 153 fell under the posted over/under line of 159.

The Rockets look to build on the comeback win when they travel to face Northern Illinois on Tuesday. Central Michigan, still seeking its first MAC victory, heads to Akron on the same night.