Preview: Bowling Green Falcons at Toledo Rockets

TOLEDO, Ohio (Interstat) — The Mid-American Conference’s fiercest rivalry renews Saturday when the Bowling Green Falcons visit the Toledo Rockets at Savage Hall.

Bowling Green (13-6, 3-3 MAC) enters with the better overall record, but seeks consistency in league play. The Falcons are coming off a 72-54 road win at Western Michigan on Tuesday, led by 21 points from Sam Towns and 20 points and seven assists from standout guard Javontae Campbell.

Campbell has been the Falcons’ engine, averaging 24.7 points and 6.0 assists over his last three games, including a 47-point outburst in a Jan. 3 overtime win at Massachusetts. His matchup with Toledo’s backcourt will be pivotal.

Toledo (10-9, 3-3) looks to rebound from a narrow 84-82 loss at Massachusetts on Tuesday, despite 22 points from Leroy Blyden. The Rockets have split their last six games, with Blyden averaging 19.3 points in that stretch. He scored 36 in a win over Western Michigan on Dec. 30.

The Rockets have defended their home court well in conference play, winning two of three at Savage Hall, including a 101-85 rout of Ohio on Jan. 13. Toledo’s offense, averaging 80.2 points per game, will test a Bowling Green defense that has held three of its last five opponents under 80 points.

Historically, games in this series are tightly contested. The teams will meet again in Bowling Green on Feb. 14. For now, Saturday’s clash offers both squads a chance to climb above .500 in the MAC standings and gain early bragging rights.

Tipoff is set for Saturday, Jan. 24, at John F. Savage Hall. The Falcons visit Buffalo next on Jan. 27, while the Rockets travel to Akron the same night.