GAME NOTES: The Akron Zips will try to remain perfect at home when they host the Toledo Rockets this evening in a Mid-American Conference tilt at James A. Rhodes Arena. This past weekend the Rockets collected a convincing, 76-63 victory over Buffalo. The win snapped a two-game losing skid for Toledo, and also pushed the team's league mark to 2-3 on the year. Unfortunately for the Rockets, the team has been dreadful on the road this season, losing all 11 of its matchups away from home. As for the Zips, they have dropped their last two matchups, falling to Kent State (75-69) and Central Michigan (65-64). The two losses have dropped the Zips' conference ledger to 4-2, placing them in a third place tie with Bowling Green in the East Division. At home is where Akron puts forth its best effort, as the team is currently a perfect 10-0 at Rhodes Arena this season. The Rockets hold a solid 29-19 edge over Akron in the all-time series and that includes the team's small two-game winning streak over the Zips.

The Rockets exploded in their recent matchup against Buffalo, as the team scored 76 points in the convincing victory. Toledo shot 45.7 percent from the floor and connected on 29-of-45 free throw attempts. It was a shocking performance for the Rockets, who has been abysmal throughout most of the season at that end of the floor. Despite the offensive outburst against Buffalo, the Rockets come into this contest averaging just 59.8 ppg, while shooting just 39.6 percent from the floor. Tyrone Kent, who is leading the Rockets with 18.3 ppg, led the way against Buffalo with 22 points, and also collected seven rebounds. Jonathan Amos, who is second on the team with 12.9 ppg, added a double-double in the win, netting 20 points to go along with 10 boards.

The Zips' current lack of success can be attributed to the team's sudden ineffectiveness at the offensive end of the floor. The last time Akron was on the court, the team scored just 64 points in a loss to Central Michigan. In the setback, the Zips shot just 39.5 percent from the field and also committed a whopping 20 turnovers. Jeremiah Wood, who is currently leading the team with 14.6 ppg and 7.9 rpg, scored a team-high 16 points in the setback. Nick Dials added 14 points, while Nate Linhart posted only 13 points for the Zips. Dials is the only other player netting double-figures on the season for Akron, as the guard is contributing 12.9 ppg. Dials has also done well distributing the ball, and is averaging 4.4 apg. Despite the recent slump, the Zips are still producing 73.3 ppg, while shooting 45.0 percent from the field.

This is the perfect matchup for Akron to break out of its slump. The Zips are perfect at home, while the Rockets are winless on the road. Expect Akron to regain its form with an easy win against Toledo.