Once Upon A Time In Las Vegas – Divisional Round
Toledo will be looking to extend its two-game winning streak when it travels to Buffalo for a MAC game on Friday night. The Rockets improved to 3-2 in league play with their 90-75 win against Ohio on Tuesday. Buffalo snapped a two-game losing skid with a 100-71 win against Bowling Green earlier this week.
Toledo is trying to maintain its hot stretch in conference play on Friday, as it is coming off back-to-back wins against Northern Illinois and Ohio. The Rockets covered the 12.5-point spread in their 84-67 win against the Huskies last weekend before covering as 9-point favorites against Ohio in a 90-75 final on Tuesday. Rayj Dennis had another fantastic performance, pouring in 25 points, grabbing nine rebounds and dishing out seven assists in a near triple-double outing. The Rockets raced out to a 52-31 lead at halftime and never looked back, cruising to a comfortable win in the end. They are currently tied with Buffalo for fourth place in the MAC standings, sitting one game back of Ball State and Akron.
Matchup of @MACSports' two highest scoring teams tomorrow night in Buffalo! Tipoff at 8:30 p,m. on @CBSSportsNet!
TOLEDO – 8?4?.8? ppg (No. 7? in n ation)
Buffalo – 7?9?.9? ppg (No. 3?0? in nation)PREVIEW: https://t.co/i8gVZWSXMc pic.twitter.com/mZxwKqxrc6
— Toledo Men's Basketball (@toledo_mbb) January 19, 2023
The Rockets have been the best offensive team in the conference so far this season, as they are No. 13 nationally in KenPom’s ratings. They are No. 23 in effective field goal percentage (55.0) and are No. 15 in turnover rate. Toledo is knocking down nearly 40% of its 3-pointers and has solid offensive rebounding numbers as well. The Rockets are an experienced roster, but they are going to be at a height disadvantage in this game. Senior forward JT Shumate leads the team with 18.4 points and 4.7 rebounds per game, while Dennis is averaging 18.3 points, 5.8 assists and 4.4 rebounds. They are facing a Buffalo defense that is No. 209 in adjusted efficiency.