Men’s basketball fell short in its third straight conference game as it was defeated on the road by Toledo, 77-68, Wednesday night.

The Huskies (7-10, 14 MAC) jumped out to a quick start on the road as they led the MAC West Division leaders 7-4 at the first media timeout.

NIU continued to trade baskets and maintain the lead over the Rockets (16-2, 4-1 MAC) until the 10:22 mark in the first half when forward Justin Drummond knocked down two free throws to take a 17-16 lead.

Drummond seemed to take over the game for Toledo at that point as over the next four minutes he scored eight of his game-high 24 points, connecting on two three-point field goals, to increase the Rockets lead to 28-22.

“Well, Drummond stepped up for them,” said coach Mark Montgomery. “I thought we had held the other guys in check and you know, he had his career high 24 points and 11 rebounds. He gave their team a boost.”

The Rockets closed the half on a 12-6 burst and went into the half with a 34-26 lead.

In the second half, the Rockets and Huskies once again traded baskets until the Huskies cut the lead to five, 45-50, on a free throw by guard Aaric Armstead with 10:50 to go.

From there, the Rockets used a 10-2 run to pull away and essentially seal the game with a 60-47 lead with 8:15 to play.

I thought we had opportunities in the second half,” Montgomery said. “With 10 minutes to go, we’re down five with the ball and we were already in the bonus, so I thought right there we could have made our run, but a missed layup at that end and they scored a layup, now all of the sudden it’s a seven point game when you think it’s going to be a three-point game. You have to take advantage of your opportunities and make them pay and unfortunately we didn’t make them pay enough.”

The Huskies got strong contributions from four players that scored 10 or more points in the loss. Guard Travon Baker tied his career-high with 17 points, while hitting four three-point field goals. Sophomore wing Darrell Bowie scored 16 points, redshirt junior center Jordan Threloff scored 14 points and Aaric Armstead added 10.

“It was huge, especially with Threloff getting back going with 14 points and six rebounds,” Montgomery said. “Darrell Bowie had 16, so you know right there that gives us 30 inside points and you need that. Travon Baker was steady he was in double figures again and Aaric Armstead got back going … But having four guys in double figures, I mean the ball was getting shared and the guys were making plays at the same time.”