The Toledo men’s basketball team, currently holding a record of 5-4, is set to face Robert Morris in Moon Township, Pennsylvania, on Saturday, Dec. 13. This matchup is scheduled for 1:00 p.m. at the UPMC Events Center and will be streamed live on ESPN+. The Rockets aim to recover from a narrow 98-97 loss to Oakland that saw a thrilling back-and-forth game with 20 lead changes and nine ties.
In the Oakland game, Toledo’s Jordan Blyden led the scoring with 20 points and was close to providing the Rockets with the lead in the closing seconds, although his potential game-winning three-pointer missed the mark. Other notable contributors included player contributions from multiple teammates who also scored in double figures, showcasing a balanced offense. Furthermore, forward Justin Craig not only scored 15 points but also grabbed a team-high 10 rebounds, marking his second double-double of the season.
Toledo has boasted impressive statistics this season, particularly in rebounding, where they have outperformed opponents on the glass, pulling down 44 rebounds compared to Oakland’s 28. The Rockets’ backcourt duo of Blyden, averaging 14.7 points per game, and Ryan A. Wilson, leading with 15.6 points per game, has been pivotal to the team’s offensive strategy. Additionally, Craig leads the Rockets in rebounding at 8.0 per game.
Robert Morris comes off a split in their Horizon League play, managing a thrilling 80-78 victory over Green Bay, followed by a narrow 74-72 loss at Milwaukee. DeSean Goode has been leading the Colonials with averages of 13.1 points and 9.0 rebounds per game, positioning him as a significant player to watch on Saturday.
The Rockets have fared well against Horizon League opponents this season, with a record of 3-1, and their previous encounter against Robert Morris ended in a 70-56 victory back in November 2019. Historically, Toledo has met Robert Morris several times, with a slight edge in past matchups.
Statistically, Toledo ranks among the top in the Mid-American Conference (MAC), particularly in free-throw shooting at 77.2%, while also showcasing strong averages in assists with 17.7 per game and field goal percentage at 49.5%.
Following the game against Robert Morris, the Rockets have scheduled a significant game against No. 9 Michigan State on Dec. 16, before facing Lourdes University at home on Dec. 20. The upcoming matchups present exciting opportunities for Toledo to solidify their standing as they continue their season. As they work to bounce back from their last game, there is hope that they can capitalize on their strengths and deliver a solid performance against Robert Morris.