Preview: Men’s basketball looks to snap 22-game losing streak against Toledo at home

The Miami University RedHawks men’s basketball team (18-5, 9-1 in conference play) greets the University of Toledo Rockets (15-8, 8-2 in conference play) at Millett Hall tonight for a matchup between two of the top teams in the Mid-American Conference (MAC).

The matchup against the No. 3 Rockets not only provides a chance to overcome a top-ranked team, but Miami has an opportunity to snap a 22-game losing streak against Toledo.

The RedHawks rolled to four-straight wins with their 69-62 victory over the Troy University Trojans on Feb. 8. Following the win, Miami rose to No. 19 in the Mid-Major Top 25 Poll.

Miami’s only loss since January came against the University of Akron University, which ended the team’s undefeated status in conference play.

Eleven days prior, the Rockets mirrored Miami with a 85-78 defeat to the Zips, putting an end to their undefeated status in MAC play.

Toledo responded with a victory over the Ball State University Cardinals, but the Kent State University Golden Flashes entered Toledo’s Savage Arena looking to rebound following their defeat to Miami three days earlier. Kent State handed the Rockets their second loss in conference play 83-64.

Since the Kent State defeat, the Rockets went 4-0 against their conference rivals, winning by an average of 8.25 points.

Toledo extended its winning streak to five with its recent victory over the James Madison University Dukes. The Rockets went 1-1 in their MAC-Sun Belt challenge this season with their loss to the Trojans on Nov. 4.

The Dukes outscored the Rockets 41-38 in the first half, but a 22-point performance from sophomore guard Sam Lewis and three free throws from fifth-year guard Isaiah Adams allowed Toledo to take a final lead with under two minutes to go.

The Dukes outscored the Rockets 41-38 in the first half. However, A 22-point performance from sophomore guard Sam Lewis and three free throws from fifth-year guard Isaiah Adams allowed Toledo to take the lead with under two minutes to go.

Much of Toledo’s offensive power derives from the duo of Lewis and sophomore guard Sonny Wilson, who average 15.3 and 15.6 points per game respectively. Both players rank in the top 10 in the MAC for total points (351 and 359).

As a unit, the Rockets average 78.8 points each game, good for fourth in the MAC. However, the team’s defense doesn’t match the offense, as the Rockets allow opponents to score 77.5 points per game, second-highest in the conference.

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Lewis leads the roster with 100 defensive rebounds, ranking him sixth in the MAC. Adams has proven to be another defensive force, leading the team with 29 steals and 17 blocks.

Miami will continue to rely on its leading scorers, junior guard Peter Suder and redshirt sophomore wing Kam Craft, who average 14.8 and 12.4 points against MAC opponents.

A highlight of the RedHawks’ matchup against Troy included sophomore guard Evan Ipsaro, who led the team with 15 points while shooting 7-10 on free throws. Ipsaro has scored in the double-figures in four games since MAC play began.

When the RedHawks welcomed Toledo to Millett Hall last March, they allowed the Rockets to outscore them 54-24 in the first 20 minutes. One player, sophomore wing Eian Elmer, scored more than 10 points, but Miami took its defeat 97-63, continuing the losing streak against Toledo.

With Miami on its best run in conference play in recent years, the team has a chance to solidify its conference standing and earn its first victory against Toledo since 2011.

Tipoff is scheduled for 7 p.m. The game will be broadcast on ESPN+.

@thekethan04

babukc2@miamioh.edu