Preview: Toledo at Akron in Key MAC Showdown AKRON, Ohio (Interstat) — A surging Akron squad aims to protect its home court against a Toledo team seeking a statement road win when the Mid-American Conference rivals meet Tuesday night at James A. Rhodes Arena. The Zips (14-4) have won five of their last six, including an authoritative 86-65 road victory at Ohio last Friday. They are led by dynamic guard Tavari Johnson, who poured in 24 points in that win and has averaged 21.4 points and 5.6 assists over his last seven games. Akron’s offense has been potent, scoring 82 or more points in four of its last five conference games. Toledo (11-9) arrives after a narrow 73-72 home win over Bowling Green on Saturday, snapping a two-game skid. The Rockets have shown resilience but have struggled for consistency, particularly away from home. They will lean on forward Austin Parks, who is coming off a 14-point, five-block performance against Bowling Green and has scored in double figures in eight of his last nine contests, including a 15-point, 11-rebound effort at Central Michigan earlier this month. The matchup pits Akron’s high-efficiency attack against a Toledo defense that has allowed 84 points or more in three of its last five games. The Rockets will need a significant defensive effort to slow Johnson and an Akron team that shoots 49.2% from the field at home this season. Historically, games between these teams are tightly contested. The Zips will look to use their current form and home-court advantage to create separation in the MAC standings, while the Rockets aim to leverage the scoring of Parks and guard Leroy Blyden, who had 16 points and five assists Saturday, to spring an upset. Tip-off is scheduled for 7 p.m. EST. The game will be broadcast on ESPN+.