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Toledo basketball update: Rockets have momentum

What a difference a year makes.

Exactly one year ago, the Rockets held a similar overall record (10-8) to this year’s 11-8 mark, but only possessed three wins in their first ten conference games. Toledo was in the midst of losing to Ball State and Western Michigan on the road while learning that Detroit would be its bracket buster opponent later the following month.

Fast forward one year and the Rockets sit on top of the conference at 7-0 with four of those victories coming on the road. Add on to that, the Midnight Blue and Gold will host CAA foe Old Dominion in Savage Hall as a part of the ESPN bracket buster with a guarantee that it will be at least available throughout the nation.

I think we would all prefer ESPN 2.

Until then, the toughest part of the conference schedule is the next four games. With road contests at Kent State, Ohio, and home matchups with Bowling Green and Akron, the Rockets will need to continue this strong run in order to convince ESPN executives that they are worthy of a game on one of its biggest channels.

Plus, sitting 10-1 or 11-0 heading into Eastern Michigan on February 13 th would feel really good and almost solidify a MAC West title and that much needed first round bye in the MAC tourney. Rocket fans have rarely felt comfortable heading into the conference tournament in Cleveland but a strong showing in the next four games would surely silence any doubters.

Tonight, the Rockets head for Athens, Ohio against the most athletic team in the conference. The Bobcats sit at 13-7 (4-3) overall but are 8-0 at home this season and have yet to lose back-to-back games. Led by Jerome Tillman and Leon Williams, Ohio seemingly has the talent to make it to the Big Dance but something continues to hold them back. This will be a tough test for the Rockets.

The key matchup is Toledo’s defense against Ohio’s offense, which is one of the best in the MAC. If Toledo can cause turnovers, force bad shots, and prevent second chance opportunities, then this may be a long night for Bobcat fans. But, if this turns into a shootout, the Rockets may finally suffer their first conference loss.

Either way, this is another reason why MAC basketball is so exciting to watch.

MAC basketball by VanDelay Sports