The Eastern Michigan Eagles (16-14) travel to Toledo to play the Rockets (17-13) in what should be a low-scoring game. The game starts at 7:00 pm ET on Friday, Mar. 4 and can be seen on ES3.
The Rockets were beaten by Western Michigan 70-64 on Tuesday. Nathan Boothe had the best performance for the Rockets, putting up 19 points, nine rebounds, and two assists. The Eagles are coming off a 75-71 win against Northern Illinois on Tuesday. Tim Bond shot 6 for 13 and led in scoring with 17 points.
Based on each team’s statistical profile, ball protection could play an integral role in this matchup. Toledo commits the 30th-fewest miscues in the nation (TO% of 16.2%), while the gambling defense of Eastern Michigan forces the ninth-most (opponents’ TO% of 22.6%). Furthermore, getting to the line could play a crucial role for the Eagles. They rank 24th in the nation in FTA rate (44.0). However, the Rockets are among the best in the nation at keeping opponents off the charity stripe (ranking 21st at 27.7).
This is the second game of the season between these two teams, with the Eagles winning the first matchup 91-85. Jonathan Williams was a top player in the game with 24 points, three rebounds, five assists, five steals, and four three-pointers.
The Rockets are looking to build on their records of 17-13 Straight Up (SU) and 14-13 Against The Spread (ATS). The Rockets have one of the most prolific home offenses in the entire nation, averaging 82.4 points per game. The Rockets are a dangerously accurate shooting team from the line with a .754 free throw percentage, one of the highest marks in Division I. Toledo is one of the best passing teams in the nation with an average of 16.6 assists per game. The Toledo defense has done poorly against opposing offenses during the last 10 games, allowing an average of 78.8 points per game, well above their season average of 71.3.
Across the court, Eastern Michigan has a SU record of 16-14 and an ATS record of 10-13. The Eagles are a terror in the passing lanes, averaging an impressive 9.4 steals per game.
In their previous meeting this season, Eastern Michigan beat Toledo, but Toledo still leads the head-to-head record, 7-3 SU, over their most recent matchups. Additionally, Toledo leads the matchup ATS with a record of 6-3-1. Over the last five matchups, Toledo held the advantage in field goals, rebounds, and three-pointers twice. Eastern Michigan performed this feat one time.
Predictions: SU Winner – EastMi, ATS Winner – EastMi
Notes
Toledo averages 78.2 points per game (ranked 51st). Eastern Michigan, on the other hand, allows 75.3 points per game (ranked 207th).
Toledo scores 82.4 points per home game (ranked 38th). Eastern Michigan ranks a poor 252nd in points allowed on the road, allowing 84.4 points.
Ranked 55th, the Toledo Rockets have an offensive rating of 112.1. The Eastern Michigan Eagles rank 134th with a defensive rating of just 103.9.
Toledo has an average field goal percentage of 46.1%. Eastern Michigan is a losing 3-8 when opponents have a similar or higher field goal percentage.
The Toledo Rockets rank lower for their field goal percentage (73rd) than they do for their effective field goal percentage (55th), but the Eastern Michigan Eagles have a better FG% ranking (136th) than eFG% ranking (201st).
Ranked 24th in the nation, Toledo has an average of 16.6 assists per game. Eastern Michigan ranks lower at 287th with 11.7.
Toledo ranks 72nd in defensive rebounding. When it comes to offensive rebounds, Eastern Michigan ranks 98th.
Ranked ninth, Eastern Michigan averages a forced turnover percentage of 22.6% this season. When the Toledo Rockets suffer a turnover rate equal to or exceeding this, the team is winless with a 0-4 record.
