The University of Toledo could be a sleeper team to win the MAC title. With recent wins over Ohio State and Xavier as well as a 7-0 record, Rocket fans are convinced that this is the year they have what it takes to go dancing in March. The Dayton Flyers will offer some hospitality on Saturday night, hoping to put a needle in the Toledo balloon and rebound from a disappointing loss at Northwestern a week ago. Tip-off is 8pm.

At the heart of the Toledo machine is Greg Stempin, a 6-8 forward who is averaging a double-double while leading the team in scoring and rebounding. Stempin is a player who will not pass the look test but possesses a strong all-around game that probably gets overlooked at his expense for flashy players who possess weaker skills. For example, Stempin has 10 assists and only 5 turnovers on the year.

Despite Stempin’s stats, the strength of the Rockets is actually in the backcourt. Art Norman, Clayton Burch, and Brett Fedak are capable scorers and handlers of the basketball while QF Robert Kizer adds offensive punch and rebounding as a conduit for the frontcourt and backcourt players. All told, almost nine Toledo players see 10 minutes of action a game but no player over 6-8 sees significant minutes. The Rockets have the depth but they lack the interior size and strength to battle teams with solid frontcourt weapons.

On their way to a 7-0 mark, the Rockets have played just one road game, a one-point win at George Mason. Other than Xavier and Ohio State, Toledo’s schedule has been a Who’s Who of buttercup non-conference scheduling which may mean the Rockets’ record is either misleading or that this team is waiting for a few sportswriters to take notice.

Dayton’s fortunes will ride on the talents of Tony Stanley and Mark Ashman. Stanley seems to always play well at the UD Arena and Ashman should be the best post player Toledo has faced all season. Ashman’s size advantage must be exploited and used to punish Toledo in the paint while Edwin Young, David Morris, and Coby Turner must shut down the Rocket long-range shooters on defense.

Coby Turner has been in an offensive slump all year and could use a breakout game to stop the bleeding. Turner has been consistent on defense and has been a reliable rebounder but can’t seem to find the bottom of the net on the offensive end. It’s probably a good sign that Dayton is 3-2 with such little offensive contribution from Coby Turner. Turner is the lone senior and next year’s team will have to find other ways to score. Fans should be pleased that Dayton is not always dead in the water when Turner fails to make baskets.

Expect Cain Doliboa, Nate Green, and Andy Metzler to see quality minutes against Toledo. With no matchup problems relating to size, the Flyers may elect to play shooters and athletes.