Ohio (11-8, 5-2 Mid-American Conference) successfully stopped a two-game slide when it took down a formidable Kent State team at home Friday night. Now, Ohio faces another tough test against Toledo (11-8, 5-2 MAC).
The Rockets have had their ups and downs, much like the Bobcats. Like Ohio, Toledo didn’t have much of an answer for Akron, falling 85-78 on the road. However, Toledo didn’t share Ohio’s success against Kent State, falling 83-64 on its home court.
Even though Ohio is missing two starters, the team holds a perfect 8-0 record inside The Convo. With Kent State out of the way, Toledo will be one of Ohio’s tougher tests at home for the remainder of the season.
Each team is tied for third place in the MAC, making this game a must-win for both teams. Here is everything you need to know:
Game Information
Opponent: Toledo Rockets
Location: The Convo
Time: Tuesday at 7 p.m.
Where to watch: ESPN+
Follow live stats here
Meet the opponent
Head coach: Tod Kowalczyk (14th season)
Projected Starters:
No. 1, Javan Simmons
No. 2, Bryce Ford
No. 3, Sonny Wilson
No. 7, Isaiah Adams
No. 11, Sam Lewis
Statistical leaders:
Points: Wilson (15.3 per game)
Rebounds: Simmons (5.9 per game)
Assists: Wilson (3.4 per game)
Steals: Adams (1.3 per game)
Blocks: Adams (0.7 per game)
Field goal percentage: Simmons (55%)
Three-Point Percentage: Ford (47%)
Toledo Notes
Toledo is fresh off a momentum-building victory against arch-rival Bowling Green, a win that it achieved in dominating fashion, 84-71.
Coming off a season where it was upset in the MAC Tournament, Toledo entered the 2024-25 season as the No. 4 ranked team in the MAC Preseason Coaches' Poll. The Rockets have been playing with something to prove in the MAC but have struggled against the MAC’s top teams.
A win against Ohio would secure Toledo among the conference’s powerhouses, a spot it has held for the past decade-plus.
Player to Watch: Javan Simmons
As long as Ohio forwards AJ Clayton and Aidan Hadaway are sidelined with injury, Ohio’s MAC matchups will be defined by its ability to guard opposing big men. New starter Vic Searls will be tasked with out-rebounding Simmons, one of the conference's best rebounders. In its win against Kent State, Ohio lost the rebound battle by an exponential amount despite still finding a way to come out on top. Against the Rocket's high-powered offense, it will be much harder for Ohio to win without some production in the rebounding game.
