Ohio (10-7 overall, 4-1 Mid-American Conference) has revived its season after a dismal 1-6 start to the season by winning nine of its last 10 games. That stretch included a great start to the MAC schedule, with the Bobcats 4-1 record in conference has them just behind undefeated Miami (OH) in the conference standings.
Jeff Boals and his squad will attempt to keep the streak going against a tough MAC opponent in Toledo (9-7 overall, 3-1 MAC) Tuesday night in the Glass City.
The Rockets pose the toughest game for Ohio since the non-conference schedule, and they are an opponent Jeff Boals historically struggles against, holding just a 1-11 record against the MAC foe and longtime Toledo head coach Tod Kowalczyk.
Toledo also poses some interesting storylines for the Bobcats coming into the game, as they were the team to eliminate Ohio from the MAC tournament in the first round last season.
One of the key cogs of that Toledo team was forward Javan Simmons, who has since swapped sides and joined Ohio. Simmons has been productive with the Bobcats so far, putting up 13.1 points per game and 4.9 rebounds per game.
His averages have been good, and it would not be surprising to see the big man take his game to another level playing in his old home arena.
With the history of the matchup out of the way, let's take a look at Toledo.
Game Information
Opponent: Toledo Rockets
Location: Savage Arena (Toledo, Ohio)
Time: Tuesday at 7 p.m.
Where to watch: ESPN+
Follow live stats here
Meet the Opponent:
Head coach: Tod Kowalczyk (15th season)
Projected Starters:
#02 Leroy Blyden Jr.
#03 Sonny Wilson
#04 Kyler Vanderjagt
#07 Sean Craig
#25 Austin Parks
Statistical leaders:
Points: Wilson (17.1 per game)
Assists: Wilson (4.4 per game)
Rebounds: Craig (8.1 per game)
Steals: Blyden Jr. (1.8 per game)
Blocks: Parks (1.0 per game)
FG%: Parks (57.7%)
3-point percentage: Vanderjagt (40.0%)
Toledo player to watch: Sonny Wilson
The Rockets have been anchored by the junior guard this year. Wilson has been with the Rockets for three years now, and he is a local product, coming from Detroit Jesuit High School in the Detroit area.
Wilson was great last year, earning third-team All-MAC honors after averaging 15.3 points per game and 3.2 assists per game. This year, he has increased both of those totals while shooting 49% from the field and 39% from deep.
The third-year point guard has been great for the Rockets this season, and the Bobcats need to contain him with a defensive guard like Ajay Sheldon to limit him offensively.
