Eastern Michigan tops Toledo 69-60 in 1st round of MAC

YPSILANTI, Mich. (AP) Raven Lee had 19 points with four steals and No. 8 seed Eastern Michigan forced 19 turnovers in a 69-60 victory over ninth-seeded Toledo on Monday night in the first round of the Mid-American Conference tournament.

Eastern Michigan's defense came up with 17 steals, including one on three-straight possessions late in the game.

Toledo turned it over on an inbound pass and Lee's steal and fast-break layup gave the Eagles a 59-57 lead with 1:37 left. After another turnover, Tim Bond converted a 3-point play after hitting a floater in the lane for a 62-57 lead.

Ty Toney had another steal and hit 1 of 2 free throws with 40.5 seconds left for a 63-57 lead. After a Toledo 3, Lee made two at the stripe for a three-possession lead.

James Thompson IV added 11 points with 13 rebounds for Eastern Michigan (18-14), which will face top-seeded Akron (24-7) in the quarterfinals on Thursday.

Nathan Boothe had 16 points, 10 rebounds and three blocks for Toledo (17-15).