- Matchup: Toledo Rockets vs Northern Illinois Huskies
- Date: Tuesday, January 6, 2026
- Venue: NIU Convocation Center, Dekalb, IL
- Broadcast: ESPN+
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The Toledo Rockets, holding a record of 8-6, visit the NIU Convocation Center on Tuesday to challenge the Northern Illinois Huskies, currently at 5-9.
In their recent outing, the Toledo Rockets triumphed over Central Michigan with a score of 78-75. Toledo finished with a shooting percentage of 40.0% (24 of 60) and completed 4 of their 12 attempts from beyond the arc. At the free-throw line, the Rockets excelled, making 26 of 32 attempts for a success rate of 81.3%. They secured a total of 36 rebounds, including 11 offensive rebounds. The team also registered 13 assists while forcing 8 turnovers from their opponents and recording 4 steals. Defensively, Toledo allowed a field goal percentage of 48.3%, as Central Michigan shot 29 of 60. In addition, Central Michigan dished out 12 assists and totaled 22 rebounds (2 offensive, 20 defensive) but did not achieve any blocks. From the charity stripe, Central Michigan shot 75.0%, hitting 9 of 12 attempts, while making 8 out of 19 attempts from three-point range. The Rockets were assessed 12 personal fouls, in contrast to Central Michigan’s 22 fouls.
Kyler Vanderjagt was a standout player for Toledo, scoring 23 points on 6 of 9 shooting and playing for 33 minutes. He also grabbed 2 rebounds and contributed 1 assist, finishing the game with an impressive shooting percentage of 66.7%.
Toledo currently boasts an 8-6 record for the season. They average 10.6 turnovers per game and commit approximately 14.5 personal fouls per game. The Rockets are averaging 36.4 rebounds per game and have accumulated 231 assists this season, ranking 117th in college basketball for team assists. Their success rate from three-point territory sits at 32.5% (95 of 292), while they are hitting an impressive 77.7% from the free-throw line. Offensively, they average 82.6 points per game (ranking 86th nationally) and maintain a field goal percentage of 47.0%.
On the defensive side, the Rockets force an average of 13.5 turnovers per game while incurring 18.0 fouls. They rank 296th in college basketball for assists allowed, having relinquished 228 this season. Toledo holds opponents to a shooting percentage of 47.8% (420 of 878) and averages 35.0 rebounds per game. They allow 34.6% from three-point territory and rank 290th in points allowed per game (77.8).
In their previous game, the Northern Illinois Huskies suffered a defeat with a score of 77-73 against Kent State. In terms of rebounding, Northern Illinois ceded 24 total rebounds to Kent State (8 offensive). They recorded a 16.7% shooting percentage from beyond the arc, hitting 4 of 24 attempts, and finished at the free-throw line with 31 of 40 for 77.5%. Kent State converted 21 of 53 field goal attempts for a shooting accuracy of 39.6%. The Huskies shot 22 of 51 from the field, achieving 43.1%. Northern Illinois made 11 of 28 three-pointers (39.3%) and scored 18 free throws at a rate of 60.0%. Kent State committed 23 fouls, granting the Huskies 30 free-throw attempts and causing 19 turnovers, while Northern Illinois managed to secure 9 steals. The Huskies gathered 22 defensive rebounds and 12 offensive rebounds, totaling 34 for the game.
Makhai Valentine played a crucial role for the Huskies, scoring 27 points on 9 of 17 shooting with a 52.9% field goal accuracy, alongside 3 rebounds. He logged 38 minutes on the court but did not record any assists.
Northern Illinois holds a 5-9 record this season. They average 19.9 personal fouls per game while shooting 67.4% from the free-throw line. Their assist average is at 13.5 per game (ranking 246th in college basketball), and they turn the ball over 15.6 times per game. The Huskies have scored a total of 1,066 points this season, averaging 76.1 per game, with an average of 36.6 rebounds per contest. Offensively, they maintain a shooting accuracy of 43.4% from the field, placing them at 284th nationally.
The Northern Illinois defense allows 31.9% from three-point range (108 of 339) and opponents succeed 71.4% of the time at the charity stripe. They yield an average of 14.3 assists and 32.8 rebounds per game, ranking 250th and 87th, respectively. The Huskies are 306th in points allowed per game, giving up 78.4, while forcing 12.9 turnovers and permitting opponents a shooting percentage of 47.9% (337th in college).
Who will emerge victorious in tonight’s NCAA matchup against the spread?
Prediction: Opt for Northern Illinois
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