Eastern Michigan vs Toledo Picks and Prediction – 1/8/2025

Eastern Michigan Eagles (7-6, 1-0 MAC) travel to face the Toledo Rockets (7-6, 1-0 MAC) in a Mid-American Conference matchup. Both teams secured wins in the last games, with Eastern Michigan defeating Northern Illinois 75-71 and Toledo overcoming Western Michigan 76-70. Slam dunk your bets with our College Basketball picks.

Eastern Michigan's offense is led by Da’Sean Nelson, who averages 15.7 points per game while shooting 51.6% from the field and 80.3% from the line. Christian Henry is the playmaker with 3.6 assists per game, and Nelson also leads the rebounding efforts with 5.8 boards per contest. The Eagles score 70.9 points per game but allow 75.5, making defense a concern. Shooting 44.5% from the field and having 13.2 assists per game highlights a strong offense, but the team’s defense needs improvement after giving up over 70 points in four of its last five games.

Defensively, the Eagles average 6.8 steals and 2.8 blocks per game, with Jalen Terry leading in steals (1.5) and Jalin Billingsley adding 0.8 blocks. They’ve struggled to control opponents, reflected in 75.5 points allowed per game and 32.8 rebounds. Recent losses by wide margins, such as 99-76 to Purdue Fort Wayne, underscore defensive weaknesses. 

Toledo Rockets rely on Sonny Wilson, who posts 15.4 points per game, shooting 53.8% from the field. Wilson also leads the team with 3.3 assists, while Sam Lewis contributes 5.8 rebounds per game. Toledo averages 77.0 points per game and shoots 45.7%, making it a potent offensive team. The recent 76-70 win against Western Michigan highlighted balanced scoring and clutch free throws late.

Defensively, Toledo allows 77.2 points per game, a statistic the Rockets will need to improve against Eastern Michigan’s offensive threats. The Rockets average 5.8 steals and 3.1 blocks, with Isaiah Adams leading the defense with 1.2 steals and 0.7 blocks. Rebounding is a slight strength with 34.8 per game, but defensive lapses, including giving up 93 points to Youngstown State earlier, point to defensive problems.

Toledo’s offense and slight rebounding edge make the Rockets the better bet in this matchup. With Wilson and Lewis leading a balanced attack, Toledo can outpace Eastern Michigan’s defense, which has been porous against high-scoring teams. Expect the Rockets to cover at home. Final Score Prediction: Toledo Rockets 88-73.