Ohio has reached its do-or-die moment. It will host Toledo inside The Convo on Friday night for a showdown between the top two teams in the Mid-American Conference.
The Bobcats are riding high after blowing out Miami on Tuesday. For the first time since conference play began, the Bobcats never slowed down. They’ve built up steam while on their nine-game winning streak, and it came to a head in Oxford.
Friday’s game will test to see if Ohio has anymore gas in the tank.
Ohio has both its winning streak and its top spot in the conference standings on the line. Toledo’s lineup is among the most solid in the MAC, and it has only lost one conference game. After falling to Kent State on New Year’s Day, Toledo has won its last five games.
Whatever the result, someone’s streak is snapping Friday night.
Here’s what you need to know about the Rockets:
Game information
Opponent: Toledo (14-4, 6-1 MAC)
Venue: The Convo
Time: 6 p.m.
Watch: CBS Sports Network
Listen: Ohio IMG Sports Network
Live stats: Live stats are provided here.
Meet the opponent
Probable starters
00 Ra’Heim Moss
05 Ryan Rollins
10 RayJ Dennis
04 Setric Millner Jr.
32 J.T. Shumate
Individual statistical leaders
Points: Rollins (19.3 points per game)
Rebounds: Shumate (6.8 rebounds per game)
Assists: Dennis (3.6 assists per game)
Field goal percentage: Shumate (56.3%)
3-point percentage: Shumate (52.1%)
Free throw percentage: Kooper Jacobi (85.7%)
Team statistical profile
Points per game: 79.4
Rebounds per game: 40.8
Assists per game: 14.6
Turnovers per game: 11.3
Field goal percentage: 46.2%
3-point percentage: 36.5%
Free throw percentage: 78.3%
The series
Ohio leads the all-time series 70-62. Friday will be the first time the two programs have faced each other since Ohio knocked Toledo out of the Mid-American Conference Tournament Semifinals back in March.
The Bobcats haven’t defeated the Rockets in a regular season game in six years. They last defeated the Rockets 81-79 on Jan. 26, 2016, inside John F. Savage Arena.
Player to watch
Shumate — The junior has bumped up his numbers since transferring to Toledo before last season. Shumate averages 15.4 points a game and is Toledo’s best shooter from the field. He’s also stepped into the role as Toledo’s top 3-point shooter since the departure of Spencer Littleson after last season.
