TOLEDO, Ohio (Interstat) — The Toledo Rockets look to build momentum heading into Mid-American Conference play when they host the struggling Buffalo Bulls in a nonconference women’s basketball matchup Wednesday at Savage Hall.

The game, scheduled for New Year’s Eve, serves as a final tune-up for both teams before their MAC schedules begin in January. Toledo (5-5) enters on a two-game winning streak, most recently a 64-43 road victory at Long Beach State on Dec. 22. Buffalo (2-9) seeks to snap a three-game skid after a 48-72 loss at Abilene Christian on Dec. 20.

The Rockets have found balance, with junior guard Evalyse Cole emerging as a key contributor. Over her last five games, Cole is averaging 7.2 points, 5.0 rebounds and 2.0 assists, including a near double-double of 9 points and 8 rebounds against Long Beach State. She is complemented by Faith Fedd-Robinson, who scored a team-high 12 points in that win.

Buffalo’s season has been defined by offensive struggles, averaging just 58.5 points per game during its current losing streak. A bright spot has been the recent play of guard Gabby McDuffie, who scored a career-high 15 points in 21 minutes off the bench in the loss to Abilene Christian. Ella Corry (11 points) and Paula Lopez (8 points) also provided scoring in that contest, but the Bulls shot just 30.2% from the field.

Historically, Savage Hall has been a tough venue for visitors, and the Rockets will aim to exploit a Buffalo defense allowing opponents to score 68.5 points per game this season. Toledo’s defense, meanwhile, held its last two opponents to an average of 53 points.

This marks the final nonconference game for both programs. Toledo opens MAC play at Miami (Ohio) on Jan. 3, while Buffalo begins its conference slate at Western Michigan the same day. Wednesday’s result could provide crucial momentum for the Rockets or a season-altering upset for the Bulls as they turn the calendar to 2026.

Tip-off is set for Wednesday at John F. Savage Hall.