Toledo has covered just twice in its last 11 visits to Eastern Michigan. The Rockets are off a 28-point road loss to Ball State this past Saturday. Yet they remain in great shape needing to win just once in their last four games to secure a first-round bye in the Mid-American Conference Tournament. So the Rockets are unlikley to bring a strong sense of urgency to this matchup.
Eastern Michigan has won 11 of its 13 home games. The Eagles rank first in the MAC in defensive efficiency. Their zone defense can be tricky especially against opponents seeing it for the first time. That's the case here as this is the first matchup of the season between these two teams.
Toledo could have problems handling James Thompson IV, who leads the MAC in rebounding and field goal percentage while averaging 15.1 points a game.
The Rockets may also be minus starting guard Marreon Jackson, who is third on the team in assists and second in steals. He also is the team's best 3-point shooter. Jackson missed the Rockets' last game with a knee injury and is questionable here.