Preview: Northern Illinois at Toledo TOLEDO, Ohio (Interstat) — The Toledo Rockets look to build momentum for a late-season push when they host the struggling Northern Illinois Huskies in a Mid-American Conference men’s basketball game Tuesday night at Savage Hall. Toledo (14-13, 8-6 MAC) enters on the heels of a dominant 94-75 victory over Eastern Michigan, a performance that showcased its offensive ceiling. The Rockets have been inconsistent in conference play but remain in the hunt for a favorable seeding in the upcoming MAC tournament. Northern Illinois (9-17, 4-10) aims to snap a two-game skid after falling 74-66 to Ohio on Saturday. The Huskies have lost five of their last seven and sit near the bottom of the league standings. The matchup features two of the conference’s top guards. Toledo is led by versatile junior Leroy Blyden, who is coming off a 15-point, six-rebound, eight-assist effort against Eastern Michigan. Over his last seven games, Blyden is averaging 15.3 points and 4.7 assists, serving as the primary catalyst for the Rockets’ offense. Northern Illinois will lean on sophomore standout Makhai Valentine, who has scored in double figures in six of his last seven contests. Valentine poured in 23 points in a road win at Georgia State earlier this month and leads the Huskies in scoring during that stretch. He had 15 points and five rebounds in the loss to Ohio. Toledo won the first meeting this season, 75-61, in DeKalb on Jan. 6. The Rockets have traditionally held serve at home in the series. For Toledo, a win is crucial to stay in the upper tier of the MAC. A loss would severely damage its standing. For Northern Illinois, the game represents an opportunity to play spoiler and build positive momentum ahead of its final regular-season stretch. The Rockets’ offense, which averages over 77 points per game, will test a Huskies defense that has allowed 80 or more points in three of its last five losses. Toledo’s ability to control the tempo and share the ball, as evidenced by 22 assists in its last outing, will be key. Tip-off is scheduled for 7 p.m. EST. Toledo travels to face Ohio on Saturday, while Northern Illinois hosts Ball State.