2018 MAC Basketball Preview: Toledo Rockets at Akron Zips

This Saturday the Akron Zips (10-11, 3-6 MAC) will host the Toledo Rockets (15-7, 7-2 MAC), who sit atop the MAC West.

Akron has dropped their last two games and are now five games out of the top spot in the MAC East. Toledo had a seven game winning streak snapped on Tuesday but the Rockets have still managed to win ten of their last 12 games and have a two game lead over Ball State and WMU in the MAC West.

Game Details

• When: Saturday, February 3rd, 2018 at 12:00 p.m.
• Where: James A. Rhodes Arena - Akron, Ohio
• Watch: CBSSports Network

Players to Watch

Tre’Shaun Fletcher, G, Toledo - Fletcher is challenging NIU’s Eugene German for the MAC’s leading scorer. His 18.6 points per game leads the Rockets and is second best in the conference. In the last four contests he’s averaging a double-double (20 points and 10 rebounds).

Jaelan Sanford, G, Toledo - Sanford is averaging 16.5 points per game and has scored 10+ points in 19 of the 22 games Toledo has played, including the last twelve contests. There’s no reason to think he wont do that here against Akron.

Jimond Ivey, G, Akron - Ivey had a huge game against Ball State last Saturday when he dropped 48 points in the 2OT game. In the last four games he’s averaged 21.75 points, 7.5 rebounds, and 3.25 assists per game.

Daniel Utomi, F, Akron - Utomi leads the team with 15.1 points per game and has hit double-digits in points in 18 of the Zips’ 21 games. Look for him to once again be a main factor in Akron’s offense.

Akron doesn’t have the offensive firepower that Toledo has this season. The Rockets are averaging over 80 points per game (one of only two MAC schools to do that) while the Zips only manage 73.

Look for the Akron to struggle in the second half despite some good numbers from Ivey. Fletcher and Sanford should both hit 15+ points as the Rockets rebound from Tuesday’s loss to Ball State.

Toledo Rockets - 84
Akron Zips - 68