The Toledo Rockets (1-0, 1-0 ATS, 1-0 O/U) collide with the UAB Blazers (1-0, 1-0 ATS, 1-0 O/U) in a non-conference battle on neutral court territory in Philadelphia. The Rockets logged a 25-6 record last season and defeated Valparaiso in their opener. The Blazers went 24-7 last season and posted a win against Alabama State in their first game.
The Toledo Rockets enter the season as contenders in the MAC. They finished in first place in the MAC last year after losing only three conference games but were stunned in the semifinals by Akron and lost in the first round of the NIT. Toledo returns a good portion of last year’s roster. The Rockets were 13-point favorites in a strong 85-70 win against Valparaiso in their season opener.
The Rockets lost their 2021-2022 scoring leader to the NBA but have plenty of returning production. Setric Mllner Jr. is back and poised for a monster season. The senior forward posted an average of 15 PPG and 5.8 RPG and collected a solid 15 points in Monday's win. Another key player is JT Shumate. The senior forward was named to the preseason All-Team MAC first team. Shumate reported an average of 15 PPG on 55% shooting accompanied by 6.1 RPG. The Rocket s also have a proven scorer in RayJ Dennis. The junior guard filed an average of 12.6 PPG and 4 APG last year. The depth continues with sophomore Ra’Heim Moss. He recorded 8.8 PPG.
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TOLEDO 59
Valpo 32
15:48 rem/2H?? ESPN3 (https://t.co/1N87HBWvml)
?? https://t.co/3X5kN09cgQ pic.twitter.com/DhKWYEvF3G— Toledo Men's Basketball (@toledo_mbb) November 8, 2022
The Rockets are ranked 83rd in DI in Ken Pomeroy’s ratings and were voted to finish in 2nd place in the MAC preseason poll, although they did receive some first-place votes. Toledo is a potent offensive squad. They averaged 81.5 points last season, landing them sixth. They allowed an average of 68 points, positioning them at 157th in all of DI.