Holy Toledo: Can They Do It Again?
Our FFP streak ended last week at 3 with Monmouth not covering the number for us. As I take a step back and reassess, I want to go back to the well with a proven money maker. These write ups are about making money and that is what I want to give to everyone of our readers. For this week’s FFP, I am bringing us to the Worthen Arena in Muncie, Indiana where we get some MACtion with the Ball State Cardinals hosting the Toledo Rockets.
The Matchup
The Toledo Rockets (18-4, 10-1), led by Sophomore Guard Ryan Rollins (20 PPG), have been the darling of the MAC this season. With help from JT Shumate (15.4 PPG) and 2 others pitching in with double figures, this Rockets offensive attack is one of the most explosive in the nation. The Ball State Cardinals, (10-11, 5-5), are very much the definition of an average team. There is no superstar on this team, but they do have 4 players averaging double figures. They are led in scoring by Freshman Center Payton Sparks (12.5 PPG).
The Cardinals are looking to bounce back after an 87-63 beatdown at the hands of Ohio this past Tuesday. These two teams previously played on Jan. 18th, with Toledo defeating the Cardinals 83-70 at home. It will be difficult keep the pace with a Rockets team that is currently on a 9-game win streak and firing on all cylinders. But “a side” is not what I am looking at tonight, because if there is one thing we know about conference play, it’s that anything can happen. Tonight’s play is all about a team total.
The Play
Since the beginning of the new year, Toledo has scored less than 80 points in only 2 games. This is the most efficient offense in the MAC and leads the Conference in FG% Efficiency. Both of these teams are in the Top 100 in Possessions Per Game, which always bodes well for betting on Totals or Team Totals. Toledo boasts a Top 25 Offensive Efficiency rating and has the opportunity to take the top off a defense at will. The key tonight will be can Ball State keep it competitive enough where Toledo doesn’t have to take their foot off the gas.
I say yes, since they are playing for revenge and they have the opportunity to play on their own home floor. It can be tricky to play Team Totals with away teams, since they are not as comfortable playing on a visiting court, but I don’t see that being a problem for this squad. This play has been a money maker since conference play started and they have gotten over this number 6 out of their last 8 games. If Ball State can keep it within arm’s length, I expect the Rockets to have another liftoff in their offensive performance.
