After allowing a 17-0 run in its first loss to Toledo this season, the NIU men’s basketball team allowed a 25-0 run to the host Rockets in a 69-61 Huskies loss Wednesday.

Perry Smith’s three pointer with 16:42 left in the second half gave the Huskies a 44-27 lead. The Huskies (7-15 overall, 2-10 MAC) then allowed Toledo (15-5, 10-3) its run.

“We had 10 possessions during that stretch and we turned it over six of those times,” NIU coach Rob Judson said. “Our interior defense needed to be stronger because they scored some baskets inside.”

Toledo senior Keith Triplett scored 11 of his game-high 15 points during the stretch.

NIU’s Mike McKinney did a good job defending Triplett in the first half until he got into foul trouble, Judson said.

“Is Triplett an explosive player or what?,” Judson said. “He didn’t have a point in the first half. Toledo is explosive because of Triplett.”

NIU didn’t score for more than seven minutes during the run.

The Huskies closed within 59-55 with five minutes remaining, but Toledo sophomore Sammy Villegas hit a three pointer and the lead never dipped below seven points again.

In the second half, NIU shot 27 percent, compared to 55 percent by Toledo.

Smith led NIU in scoring with 14 points, but shot only 5-of-18 from the floor.

Walter Thompson and Rome Sanders also reached double figures with 13 and 12 points, respectively.

The Huskies played their second straight game without All-MAC player Marcus Smallwood because of a “coach’s decision.” Smallwood’s status for Saturday’s game against Ball State is undetermined, Judson said.