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MAC Tournament Championship - Kent vs. Toledo
Let’s take a look at the MAC Championship match-up between the #1 seed Kent State Golden Flashes (24-8) and the #7 seed Toledo Rockets (20-10). While the Golden Flashes have been the standard to which the rest of the MAC has tried to live up to all season, the Rockets have won 10 straight against MAC opponents, and are one of three teams in the conference to beat the Golden Flashes this season.
#1 Kent vs. #7 Toledo
Kent is the popular pick in this one, but the Flashes can't (and won't) look past the streaking Toledo Rocket. This game should be a battle of two top defenses, although each team plays a completely different style of D. Kent has excelled using a hard-nosed, tough, shot challenging approach. Toledo's excellent defense makes use of a quicker, turnover-forcing style that leads the Mid-American Conference and is 11th in the nation with almost 10 steals per game.
On offense, Kent has excelled all year using their inside-out game for a balanced offensive approach. Toledo isn't quite as strong a team from 3-pt range, only shooting about 34% from long-distance on the year, but they have players like Justin Ingram, Keonta Howell, and Sammy Villegas that can easily catch fire and hit some daggers. Let's look at some of the keys to victory on this one. Toledo is more adept at hitting mid range jumpers, and getting points in the paint from their guards on penetration, and their big-time forward, Tino Valencia.
KSU keys to victory:
- Ball control – Limit turnovers & fastbreak points.
- Use Gerwig, Warzynski, and Scott to bang inside vs. the undersized Rockets.
- Pressure Toledo, making them work hard for shots, especially inside the 3pt line.
Kent State has a major size advantage in this game with their rotating front-court of Gerwig, Warzynski, and Scott. If Jim Christian can get these guys involved a lot, especially early on, it could spell quick trouble for Toledo. Also, with Toledo's ability to get steals, controlling the ball will not only help Kent on offense, but it should cut-down on a large portion of UT's offense, which is scoring in transition.
UT Keys to Victory
- Force the turnover.
- Score in transition.
- Points in the paint.
Toledo is the best team in the conference at stealing the ball. As mentioned above not only has the steal been a great defensive tool for the Rockets, but it has helped them establish themselves offensively as well. If Toledo can score on the break they really could frustrate Kent's offense, and put their backs against the wall. Toledo has shot the ball well from outside in this tournament, but their percentage on the season is a mediocre 34%. Their offense is at it's best when their quick guards can penetrate and either get the ball to the hoop, or dish off to Valencia down low.
What I Think
Kent State is the favorite in this one, and I can't find a compelling reason to go pick against them. I think the starting backcourt of Haynes, Youngblood, and Gates are solid and experienced enough not to give up a slew of steals and fastbreak points to Toledo.
Even if the Flashes do succeed in controlling the ball, the Rockets could have a chance in this game if players like Payne or Villegas catch fire or if Kent has trouble shooting. But I just don't see that happening and I think Kent State has too much going for them. I really think the Rockets do not match-up well against the Golden Flashes, especially in the paint. My pick for this one: |
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By Dan Whitmyer, VanDelaySports.com Head Basketball Writer
published 03.11.06
MAC Tourney Semifinal Recap: #7 Toledo 77, #3 Akron 69
MAC Tourney Semifinal Recap: #1 Kent 72, #5 Ohio 59
MAC Tourney Quarterfinal Recap: #5 Ohio 73, #4 Miami 58
MAC Tourney Quarterfinal Recap: #1 Kent 76, #8 Buffalo 67
