Preview: Toledo Looks to Continue Momentum at Central Michigan in MAC Opener

MOUNT PLEASANT, Mich. (Interstat) — The Toledo Rockets and Central Michigan Chippewas open their Mid-American Conference men’s basketball schedules on Saturday when they meet at McGuirk Arena.

Toledo (7-6) enters with some confidence after an 84-79 home victory over Western Michigan on Tuesday. The Rockets have won two straight, including a 100-67 rout of Lourdes on Dec. 20, after a three-game skid against Michigan State, Robert Morris and Oakland.

The Rockets are led by guard Leroy Blyden, who is coming off a career-high 36-point performance against Western Michigan. Over his last five games, Blyden is averaging 18.8 points. He is supported by backcourt mates Kyler VanderJagt and Sonny Wilson, who combined for 29 points in the last outing.

Central Michigan (4-10) seeks to halt a four-game losing streak. The Chippewas fell 80-64 to Ohio at home on Tuesday and have struggled against a challenging non-conference slate, including losses to Wisconsin, Saint Louis and Marquette.

Guard Tamario Adley has been a bright spot for Central Michigan, averaging 12.7 points and 3.6 assists per game. He scored 19 points with five rebounds and three assists against Ohio. Forward Nathan Claerbaut provides a defensive presence, recording six blocks in that same game.

The Chippewas will need to contain Toledo’s high-powered offense, which averages 82.2 points per game. Central Michigan, averaging 71.6 points, has allowed 80 or more points in six of its ten losses.

This matchup begins a critical stretch for both teams as league play intensifies. Toledo visits Northern Illinois on Tuesday, while Central Michigan travels to Akron.

Saturday’s tipoff is set for 2 p.m. EST at McGuirk Arena.