ROCHESTER, Mich. — The University of Toledo men’s basketball team erased a 14-point first-half deficit and survived a late surge by Oakland to claim an 87-86 season-opening win Friday against the Golden Grizzlies at the Athletics Center O’rena.
Toledo never led until Jaelan Sanford made two free throws with 8:05 left in the second half and was forced to hang on at the end on a hectic sequence at the free-throw line.
After Toledo’s Spencer Littleson made 1 of 2 free throws, the Rockets had an 87-85 lead with eight seconds left.
Brailen Neely was fouled on the next possession by Marreon Jackson and stepped to the line for two free throws with four seconds remaining.